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Chapter 127 - Visual Analogue Scales for Assessment of Body Image and Related Constructs

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By
Emily K. Burr ,
Stacey Tantleff-Dunn  and
J. Kevin Thompson
Edited by
Virginia Ramseyer Winter ,
Tracy L. Tylka  and
Antoinette M. Landor
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

Visual analogue scales (VAS) are rating scales consisting of an individual item measuring a given construct typically coded 0 to 100 with labeled anchors. In body image research, VAS were originally developed to assess overall appearance and weight satisfaction, but have since been used as rating systems for other body image constructs (e.g., muscle dissatisfaction). VAS can be administered online and/or in-person to children, adolescents, and/or adults and are typically free to use. This chapter first discusses the development of the original VAS and other body image VAS, and then provides evidence of VAS psychometrics. Regarding factor structure, VAS tend to be single-item constructs, although it is possible to combine and average multiple items to tap one construct. Internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity support the use of VAS for body image assessment. Next, this chapter provides examples of commonly used VAS, instructions for administration, the most commonly used item response scale, and the scoring procedure. Logistics of use are provided for readers.

Keywords

Visual Analogue ScaleVisual Analog Scalebody imagebody image assessmentVASbody image VASreliabilityvaliditypsychometric evidencestate measureappearancebody dissatisfactionbody satisfaction

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Chapter
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Handbook of Body Image-Related Measures , pp. 376 - 378
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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References

Aboody, D., Siev, J., & Doron, G. (2020). Building resilience to body image triggers using brief cognitive training on a mobile application: A randomized controlled trial. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 134, 103723. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2020.103723.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Agliata, D., & Tantleff-Dunn, S. (2004). The impact of media exposure on males’ body image. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 23(1), 7–22. https://doi.org/10.1521/jscp.23.1.7.26988.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Halevi, L. D. (2017). Variation and validity of body dissatisfaction visual analogue scales. [Masters’ thesis. Ryerson University]. rshare.library.torontomu.ca.Google Scholar
Heinberg, L. J., & Thompson, J. K. (1995). Body image and televised images of thinness and attractiveness: A controlled laboratory investigation. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 14(4), 325–338. https://doi.org/10.1521/jscp.1995.14.4.325.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Moreno-Domínguez, S., Servián-Franco, F., Reyes del Paso, G. A., & Cepeda-Benito, A. (2019). Images of thin and plus-size models produce opposite effects on women’s body image, body dissatisfaction, and anxiety. Sex Roles, 80(9–10), 607–616. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-018-0951-3.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Rushford, N. (2006). Fear of gaining weight: Its validity as a visual analogue scale in anorexia nervosa. European Eating Disorders Review, 14(2), 104–110. https://doi.org/10.1002/erv.682.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Tantleff-Dunn, S., & Thompson, J. K. (1998). Body image and appearance-related feedback: Recall, judgment, and affective response. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 17(3), 319–340. https://doi.org/10.1521/jscp.1998.17.3.319.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Thompson, J. K., Heinberg, L. J., Altabe, M., & Tantleff-Dunn, S. (1999). Exacting Beauty: Theory, Assessment, and Treatment of Body Image Disturbance. American Psychological Association.CrossRefGoogle Scholar

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