Psychometric evaluation of the Drive for Muscularity Scale in a community-based sample of Scottish men participating in an organized sporting event

Abstract

As the drive for muscularity is an important construct for researchers involved in understanding men's body image, having reliable and valid measures of the construct is essential. This study assessed the Drive for Muscularity Scale (DMS) in a community-based sample of 594 Scottish men participating in an organized running event. Exploratory factor analysis revealed two subscales (Muscularity-oriented body image and Muscularity behavior) as well as a higher-order factor. Both subscales and the total score had acceptable levels of internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and construct validity. These findings provide support for the DMS as a measure of the drive for muscularity in men. It is recommended that, in future, careful consideration is given to the distinction between muscularity attitudes and behavior.