Publishing a peer-reviewed paper is an ambition for all entering academic careers, and a necessity for those remaining in it. It can feel a daunting, complex, and long process, but there is an art and skill to successfully publishing that can be learned. This chapter sets out to demystify and explain the processes involved, and how to maximise the chances of success. From writing a multi-author paper, through deciding author position, to choosing the right journal and dealing with reviewer comments.

The 19-item Body Image Quality of Life Inventory (BIQLI; Cash & Fleming, 2002) assesses the influence of body image in specific life contexts---that is, the degree and nature to which a person’s body image impacts many important life domains (e.g., enjoyment of sex, work, school, physical exercise activities). The original BIQLI has been updated to ensure gender neutrality within its items, and a shorter 10-item form is available (Hazzard et al., 2022). The BIQLI can be administered online or in-person to adolescents or adults; it is free to use. This chapter first discusses the development of the BIQLI and then provides evidence of its psychometrics. More specifically, the BIQLI has been found to have a unidimensional factor structure that is invariant across age and gender. Internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, and construct validity support the use of the BIQLI. Next, this chapter provides all items, instructions for administering the BIQLI to participants, its response scale, and scoring procedures. Links to known translations are included. Logistics of use, such as how to obtain the scale, permissions, copyright, and contact information are available for readers.

The 16-item Male Body Talk Scale (MBT scale; Sladek et al., 2014) assesses the frequency with which men engage in negatively valenced body-related conversations with others. The MBT scale can be administered online or in-person with adolescents and adults and is free to use in any setting. This chapter first discusses the development of the MBT scale and then provides evidence regarding the measure’s psychometric properties. Specifically, research using the MBT scale has found evidence for a correlated two-factor structure (e.g., “Muscle Talk,” “Fat Talk”) identified through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses with samples including male-identifying young adult college students and adults (ages 18-65), along with scalar (i.e., strong) invariance across three ethnic groups (Asian, Latino, and White) of male-identifying college students. Internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and incremental validity support the use of the MBT scale. Next, this chapter provides the MBT scale items, instructions for administering the measure to participants, the item response scale, and the scoring procedure. The measure has been translated from English into Chinese (Mandarin) and administered with evidence of reliability and validity. Provided for readers also are logistics of use, such as permissions, copyright, and citation information.

The 20-item Multifaceted Instrument for Body image Disturbance (MI-BoD; Prnjak et al., 2024) assesses specific facets of body image disturbance relevant in eating disorders and muscle dysmorphia, such as shape/weight overvaluation. The MI-BoD can be administered online and/or in-person to adults and is free to use in any setting. This chapter first discusses the development of the MI-BoD and then provides evidence of its psychometrics. More specifically, the MI-BoD has been found to have a 6-factor structure within exploratory factor analyses, and is invariant across gender, weight status and diagnostic status. Internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and incremental validity support the use of the MI-BoD. Next, this chapter provides the MI-BoD items in their entirety, instructions for administering the MI-BoD to participants, the item response scale, and the scoring procedure. Logistics of use, such as permissions, copyright, and contact information, are provided for readers.

The Social Physique Anxiety Scale (SPAS) is a 12-item self-report questionnaire designed to measure social physique anxiety, a subtype of anxiety related to concerns about others observing or evaluating one’s body (Hart et al., 1989). The SPAS can be administered online or in-person to adolescents and adults and is free to use in any setting. The SPAS, originally unidimensional, has undergone several revisions to address factor structure and gender invariance, resulting in abbreviations with 7, 8, and 9 items. Reliability estimates for SPAS and its variations vary, with Cronbach’s alpha ranging from the high .60s to the low .90s, and test-retest reliability reaching .94. Convergent validity, discriminant validity, and criterion-related validity support the use of the SPAS. The 12-item SPAS, instructions for administration, the item response scale, and the scoring procedure are provided. Citations for abbreviated versions and known translations are provided. Logistics of use, such as permissions, copyright, and contact information, are provided for readers.

The 5-item SNS Body Talk Scale (Wang, Wang, et al., 2020) is used to assess how often individuals talk about expectations for their bodies and for appearance enhancements with their friends on SNS. It can be administered online or in-person to adolescents and young adults and is free to use in any setting. This chapter first discusses the development of the SNS Body Talk Scale and then provides evidence of its psychometrics. More specifically, it has been found to have a single-factor structure within confirmatory factor analyses and is fully invariant across gender and age groups. Internal consistency reliability supports the use of the SNS Body Talk Scale. Next, this chapter provides the SNS Body Talk Scale items in their entirety, instructions for administering the scale to participants, the item response scale, and the scoring procedure. Logistics of use, such as permissions, copyright, and contact information, are provided for readers.

The 69-item Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ; Cash et al., 2004) assesses respondents’ body attitudes toward their appearance-related features and body competence-related features (e.g., fitness, health). It contains nine subscales: appearance evaluation, appearance orientation, fitness evaluation, fitness orientation, health evaluation, health orientation, body areas satisfaction, overweight preoccupation, and self-classified weight. Yet, many body image researchers elect to use only the appearance-related subscales (AS): appearance evaluation, appearance orientation, body areas satisfaction, overweight preoccupation, and self-classified weight. The MBSRQ can be administered online or in-person to adolescents or adults; it is free to use. This chapter first discusses the development of the MBSRQ and then provides evidence of its psychometrics. More specifically, factor analyses have supported the MBSRQ-AS’s factor structure, internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, and construct validity. Next, this chapter provides all MBSRQ items, the item response scale, and instructions for its administration and scoring. Links to known translations are provided. Logistics of use, such as permissions, copyright, and contact information, are provided for readers.

The 15-item Positive Body Image among Adolescents Scale (PBIAS) assesses positive body image components in adolescents. The PBIAS can be administered online/on paper to adolescents and is free to use in any setting. This chapter first discusses the development of the PBIAS and then provides evidence of its psychometrics. More specifically, the PBIAS has been found to have a 4-factor structure within exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and gender invariance was upheld. Internal consistency reliability, convergent and incremental validity support the use of the PBIAS. Test-retest reliability was partially supported. Next, this chapter provides the PBIAS items in their entirety, instructions for administering the PBIAS to participants, the item response scale, and the scoring procedure. Known translations are provided. Logistics of use, such as permissions, copyright, and contact information, are provided for readers.

The human brain can be divided by both structure and function. Brodmann maps provide a useful way of organising the complex cortical structure based on cytoarchitecture. The basic architecture of the prefrontal cortex shows nothing substantially different to other cortical regions we have a clearer understanding of. However, it remains clear that there must be something anatomically different in the prefrontal cortex for it to be able to carry out such complex functions. Despite vast differences in the functionality of brain regions, topographic connectivity is considered a hallmark feature of cortical structure. However, relatively recent research evidence shows there may be more complexity to the connectivity pattern in the prefrontal cortex when viewed on a fine scale.

The 28-item Body Experience during Pregnancy Scale (BEPS; Talmon & Ginzburg, 2018) assesses three key dimensions of body experience during pregnancy: body agency, body estrangement, and body visibility. Developed to capture women’s responses to the physical changes and self-representations unique to pregnancy, the BEPS differs from traditional body image measures that focus mainly on appearance. The BEPS can be administered online or in-person to pregnant women and has demonstrated robust psychometric properties. This chapter discusses the BEPS’s development within the pregnancy body experience literature and reviews evidence of its psychometrics. The scale’s three-factor structure was supported by exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and adequate internal consistency is demonstrated across its subscales. Body agency positively correlates with well-being, while body estrangement and visibility are linked with disrupted body boundaries and body shame, underscoring the scale’s construct and incremental validity. The chapter further includes the full BEPS item list, instructions for administration, response scales, and scoring guidelines. Known translations, permissions, copyright, and contact information for users are also provided.

The 12-item Body Parts Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BPSS-R; Petrie et al., 2002) is a straightforward and commonly used measure of female body satisfaction, which focuses on the degree a female-identified adolescent or adult is satisfied with their bodies as assessed through common body parts (e.g., stomach, hips, overall face). The BPSS-R provides three measures of body satisfaction: body (7 items), face (4 items), and overall body size/shape (1 item). The BPSS-R can be administered online or in-person to female identifying adolescents and adults and is free to use. This chapter first discusses the development of the BPSS-R and then provides evidence of its psychometrics. More specifically, the BPSS-R’s 2-factor structure (i.e., body satisfaction, face satisfaction) is upheld within exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Internal consistency reliability, convergent validity, concurrent validity, and incremental validity support the use of the BPSS-R. Next, this chapter provides the BPSS-R items in their entirety, instructions for administration and scoring, and the item response scale. Logistics of use, such as permissions, copyright, and contact information, are available for readers.

The 22-item Critical Processing of Beauty Images Scale (CPBI scale; Engeln-Maddox & Miller, 2008) assesses women’s tendency to engage in critical processing of media images of idealized female beauty. The CPBI scale can be administered online or in-person with adolescent and adult women and is free to use in any setting. This chapter first discusses the development of the CPBI scale as well as the potential for counterarguing and critical processing of beauty images to intervene between exposure to media imagery and body image outcomes. Next, this chapter provides evidence of the psychometric properties of the CPBI scale. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses conducted with samples of young adult, undergraduate women suggest a correlated three-factor structure for scores on the scale. The first factor comprises items noting the “fakeness” of beauty images, the second comprises items that accuse such images of being harmful to women, and the third comprises criticisms that models are too thin. Internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity support the use of the CPBI scale. This chapter provides the CPBI scale items, instructions for administering the measure to participants, the item response scale, and the scoring procedure. Logistics of use, such as permissions, copyright, and citation information, are also provided for readers.

The 13-item Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI, Hildebrandt et al., 2004) assesses muscle dysmorphia symptoms and severity. The MDDI can be administered online and/or in-person to adolescents, and/or adults and is free to use in any setting. This chapter first discusses the development of the MDDI and then provides evidence of its psychometrics. More specifically, the MDDI has been found to have a three-factor structure (drive for size, appearance intolerance, functional impairment) within exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and invariance across gender, sexual orientation, athletes, and community samples. Internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, and convergent validity support the use of the MDDI. Next, this chapter provides the MDDI items in their entirety, instructions for administering the MDDI to participants, the item response scale, and the scoring procedure. Known translations are provided. Logistics of use, such as permissions, copyright, and contact information, are provided for readers.

The 12-item Transgender Congruence Scale (TCS; Kozee et al., 2012) assesses the degree of gender congruence that a transgender and/or gender nonconforming (TGNC) individual is currently experiencing. The TCS can be administered online and/or in-person to adolescents and adults and is free to use in any setting. This chapter first discusses the development of the TCS and then provides evidence of its psychometrics. More specifically, the TCS has been found to have a two-factor structure within exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and invariant across sex assigned at birth. Internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and incremental validity support the use of the TCS. Next, this chapter provides the TCS items in their entirety, instructions for administering the TCS to participants, the item response scale, and the scoring procedure. Abbreviated forms are offered and/or known translations are provided. Logistics of use, such as permissions, copyright, and contact information, are provided for readers.

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.

The 20-item Body Dissatisfaction Frequency Duration Questionnaire (BDFDQ; Dondzilo et al., 2022) separately assesses two dimensions of trait body dissatisfaction: the frequency with which one experiences episodes of dissatisfaction with their shape and/or weight (i.e., body dissatisfaction frequency) and the duration of such episodes (i.e., body dissatisfaction duration). The BDFDQ can be administered online and/or in-person to adults and is free to use in any setting. This chapter first discusses the development of the BDFDQ and then provides evidence of its psychometrics. More specifically, the BDFDQ has been found to have a two-factor structure (body dissatisfaction frequency and body dissatisfaction duration) within confirmatory factors analyses and invariance across gender. Internal consistency reliability, convergent validity, divergent validity, and predictive validity support the use of the BDFDQ. Next, this chapter provides the BDFDQ items in their entirety, instructions for administering the BDFDQ to participants, the item response scale, and the scoring procedure. Logistics of use, such as permissions, copyright, and contact information, are provided for readers.

The 14-item Body-Related Disclosure Scale (BRDS; Greer, Campione-Barr, & Lindell, 2015) can be administered in person or online to adolescents and young adults (ages 10-25 years) in the context of any close relationship (e.g., mother-child, father-child, siblings, friends, romantic partners) and is free to use in any setting. This chapter first discusses the development of the BRDS and then provides evidence of its psychometrics. More specifically, the Body-Related Disclosure Scale has been found to have a 2-factor structure within confirmatory factor analyses to include a positively-valence sub-scale and a negatively-valanced subscale. Internal consistency reliability supports the use of the BRDS. Next, this chapter provides the BRDS items in their entirety, instructions for administering the BRDS to participants, the item response scale, and the scoring procedure. Logistics of use, such as permissions, copyright, and contact information, are provided for readers.

The 10-item Body Appreciation Scale-2 for Children (BAS-2C; Halliwell et al., 2017) is a measure of positive body image that assesses the degree to which children appreciate and accept their bodies, respect their bodies by attending to their needs, and the influence of inner positivity on outer demeanour. The BAS-2C can be administered online or in-person to children and is free to use in any setting. This chapter first discusses the development of the BAS-2C, followed by evidence of its psychometric properties. More specifically, the Body Appreciation Scale-2 for Children has been found to have a unidimensional factor structure within exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, with mixed evidence of measurement invariance across gender. Internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, convergent validity, and construct validity support the use of the BAS-2C. Next, this chapter provides the BAS-2C items in their entirety, instructions for administering the BAS-2C, the item response scale, and the scoring procedure. Abbreviated forms are offered, and known translations are provided. Logistics of use, such as permissions, copyright, and contact information, are provided for readers.