Validation of the Muscularity Bias Internalization Scale in Chinese women

Abstract

The Muscularity Bias Internalization Scale (MBIS) captures an individual’s endorsement of stereotypical beliefs about muscularity and engagement in self-stigmatizing evaluations about their muscularity. The MBIS has been validated in Chinese men and Lebanese men and women, showing strong internal consistency reliability and construct validity. Because muscularity-related body image concerns are present in Chinese women, there is a need for research to validate the MBIS in Chinese women. The present study examined the factor structure and psychometric properties of the MBIS in a sample of Chinese women. Exploratory factor analysis (n = 300) identified a two-factor structure which showed adequate model fit in confirmatory factor analysis (n = 300), with χ2(76) = 294.63 (p < .001), CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.98, and SRMR = 0.05. Results also showed that the MBIS in women had adequate internal consistency, two-week test-retest reliability, and good construct validity. Findings suggest that the MBIS is a useful tool for assessing muscularity bias internalization, a potentially important risk factor for muscularity-oriented eating and body image disturbances.