Self-Oriented Comparison Scale-Appearance (SOCS-A)

doi:10.1017/9781009398275.116

Chapter 115 - Self-Oriented Comparison Scale-Appearance (SOCS-A)

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 November 2025

Tracy L. Tylka and

Nichole L. Wood-Barcalow

Edited by

Virginia Ramseyer Winter ,

Tracy L. Tylka and

Antoinette M. Landor

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Virginia Ramseyer Winter: Affiliation:
University of Minnesota
Tracy L. Tylka: Affiliation:
Ohio State University
Antoinette M. Landor: Affiliation:
University of Missouri

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Summary

The 11-item Self-Oriented Comparison Scale-Appearance (SOCS-A; Tylka & Wood-Barcalow, 2024) assesses self-oriented comparison, which occurs when a person compares their current body to their own body at previous points. The SOCS-A assesses both upward (comparing their current body to a previous more desirable version of their body) and downward (comparing their current body to a previous less desirable version of their body) self-oriented comparison. The SOCS-A can be administered to adults and adolescents, and there is no cost associated with using it. This chapter first discusses the development of the SOCS-A and then provides evidence of its psychometrics. More specifically, the SOCS-A has been found to have a 2-factor structure (Upward, Downward) within exploratory and/or confirmatory factor analyses as well as demonstrate gender invariance. Internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and incremental validity support the use of the SOCS-A, particularly the Upward subscale. Next, this chapter provides the SOCS-A items in their entirety, its item response scale, and instructions for administration and scoring. Logistics of use, such as permissions, copyright, and contact information, are provided for readers.

Keywords

Self-Oriented Comparison Scale-Appearance SOCS-A items self-oriented comparison appearance social comparison upward comparison downward comparison scale development psychometric evidence factor structure reliability validity administration scoring

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Type: Chapter
Information: Handbook of Body Image-Related Measures , pp. 340 - 342

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009398275.116 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2025

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References

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Tylka, T. L., & Wood-Barcalow, N. L. (2024, March). Development and psychometric evaluation of the Self-Oriented Comparison Scale (SOCS). Paper presented at the annual International Conference for Eating Disorders (ICED). New York.Google Scholar

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