Abstract
BackgroundThis study aimed to provide a German translation of the Body Image in Pregnancy Scale (BIPS) – a measure tailored to pregnancy-specific aspects of body image while being consistent to the multifaceted theoretical framework of body image – and to test its psychometric properties and validity.MethodsThe English-language original version of the BIPS was translated into German language using a forward-backward translation rationale. Face validity of the items was tested in cognitive interviews (n = 5). An online survey was conducted among 291 pregnant women. After conducting standard item analyses, factorial validity was tested using principal-axis factor analysis (PAF). Convergent and incremental validity with measures of body dissatisfaction (FFB), depression (EPDS), anxiety (GAD-7), self-esteem (RSE), and eating disorder psychopathology (EDE-Q) was tested by bivariate correlations and multiple linear hierarchical regression analyses.ResultsThe PFA revealed a 32 item and 6-factor solution resembling the dimensions preoccupation with appearance, dissatisfaction with strength-related aspects, dissatisfaction with body parts, dissatisfaction with complexion, prioritization of appearance over function, and concerns about sexual attractiveness. Internal consistency on a subscale level was good to excellent (.79 ≤ Cronbach’s α ≤ .91). Consistent with theoretical assumptions, we found significant positive correlations of BIPS-G subscales with depression, anxiety and eating disorder psychopathology and negative correlations of BIPS-G subscales with self-esteem. BIPS-G subscales substantially improved the prediction of depression, anxiety, self-esteem and eating disorder psychopathology over demographic factors and body dissatisfaction (.03 ≤ ΔR2 ≤ .15, all p-values < 0.05).ConclusionsThe German version of the BIPS appeared to be a reliable and valid measure which has the capacity to enhance future research on body image during pregnancy in German-speaking populations.
Highlights
This study aimed to provide a German translation of the Body Image in Pregnancy Scale (BIPS) – a measure tailored to pregnancy-specific aspects of body image while being consistent to the multifaceted theoretical framework of body image – and to test its psychometric properties and validity
A number of studies suggest that some women experience a significantly more negative body image during pregnancy compared to pre-pregnancy [19], and a decline of body satisfaction over the course of pregnancy with inconsistent findings with regard to particular risk periods during pregnancy [11, 19, 20]
To improve comparability of studies it would be beneficial to evaluate the BIPS in internationally diverse samples. To achieve this goal in our study, we aimed to develop a German version of the BIPS and evaluate its psychometric properties
Summary
This study aimed to provide a German translation of the Body Image in Pregnancy Scale (BIPS) – a measure tailored to pregnancy-specific aspects of body image while being consistent to the multifaceted theoretical framework of body image – and to test its psychometric properties and validity. Body size and shape change rapidly over a relatively short 40-week period and pregnancy-related physical symptoms become more pronounced [2]. There is, evidence that at least some pregnant women may find this re-evaluation of standards difficult, and that a substantial subgroup experiences clinically relevant body image concerns [18]. A number of studies suggest that some women experience a significantly more negative body image during pregnancy compared to pre-pregnancy [19], and a decline of body satisfaction over the course of pregnancy with inconsistent findings with regard to particular risk periods during pregnancy [11, 19, 20]
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