Figure rating scale

The figure rating scale is a psychometric scale developed in the 1950s as a tool to determine body dissatisfaction in women, men, and children.[1] Each figure presents nine silhouettes, ranging from very thin to very large, and the participant is asked to select the one that best indicates his or her current body size and ideal body size (IBS).[2]

Trends in research

Studies of body dissatisfaction have shown that women have a tendency to pick a smaller IBS than current body size.[3] Discrepancies between the two selections indicate body dissatisfaction, which can lead to eating disorders or depression.

References

  1. ^ Grogan, S. (2009). Routledge: New York.
  2. ^ International Journal of Eating Disorders
  3. ^ Cororve Fingeret, M., Gleaves, D., & Pearson, C. (2004). On the Methodology of Body Image Assessment: the use of figural rating scales to evaluate body dissatisfaction and the ideal body standards of women. Body Image, 2, 207-212