Male body dissatisfaction scale (MBDS): proposal for a reduced model

Author(s)

da Silva, Wanderson Roberto ; Maroco, Joao ; Ochner, Christopher N. ; Duarte Bonini Campos, Juliana Alvares

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Eating and Weight Disorders-Studies on Anorexia Bulimia and Obesity; v. 22, n. 3, p. 515-525, SEP 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 2

Abstract

Purpose To evaluate the psychometric properties of the male body dissatisfaction scale (MBDS) in Brazilian and Portuguese university students; to present a reduced model of the scale; to compare two methods of computing global scores for participants' body dissatisfaction; and to estimate the prevalence of participants' body dissatisfaction. Methods A total of 932 male students participated in this study. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to assess the scale's psychometric properties. Multi-group analysis was used to test transnational invariance and invariance in independent samples. The body dissatisfaction score was calculated using two methods (mean and matrix of weights in the CFA), which were compared. Finally, individuals were classified according to level of body dissatisfaction, using the best method. Results The MBDS model did not show adequate fit for the sample and was, therefore, refined. Thirteen items were excluded and two factors were combined. A reduced model of 12 items and 2 factors was proposed and shown to have adequate psychometric properties. There was a significant difference (p < 0.001) between the methods for calculating the score for body dissatisfaction, since the mean overestimated the scores. Among student participants, the prevalence of body dissatisfaction with musculature and general appearance was 11.2 and 5.3%, respectively. Conclusions The reduced bi-factorial model of the MBDS showed adequate validity, reliability, and transnational invariance and invariance in independent samples for Brazilian and Portuguese students. The new proposal for calculating the global score was able to more accurately show their body dissatisfaction. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/00228-7 - Contribution of body image, eating behavior and health perception for the quality of life of university students: transnational study
• Grantee: Wanderson Roberto da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 14/03093-2 - Contribution of body image, eating behavior and health perception for the quality of life of university students: transnational study
• Grantee: Wanderson Roberto da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate