Breast Size Rating Scale (BSRS)

doi:10.1017/9781009398275.056

Chapter 55 - Breast Size Rating Scale (BSRS)

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 November 2025

Viren Swami

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 Breast Size Rating Scale (BSRS; Swami et al., 2015) is a figural rating scale developed to assess breast size dissatisfaction (actual-ideal breast size discrepancy), theorised to be a facet of negative body image. The BSRS consists of 14 computer-generated images of women varying in breast size alone. The BSRS can be administered online or in-person to women and is free to use for non-commercial purposes. This chapter discusses the development of the BSRS, before providing evidence of its psychometric properties. Specifically, scores on the BSRS have adequate test-retest reliability and good patterns of convergent, criterion-related, and incremental validity. Next, this chapter provides the BSRS in full and instructions for administering the BSRS to participants, the suggested questions, and the scoring procedure. Known translations are described and logistics of use are provided for readers.

Keywords

Breast Size Rating Scale BSRS Figures Breast dissatisfaction Scale development Psychometric evidence Reliability Validity Administration Scoring Translations available

Information

Type: Chapter
Information: Handbook of Body Image-Related Measures , pp. 170 - 172

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009398275.056 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2025

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References

Frederick, D. A., Peplau, A., & Lever, J. (2008). The Barbie mystique: Satisfaction with breast size and shape across the lifespan. International Journal of Sexual Health, 20, 2002–2011. https://doi.org/10.1080/19317610802240170.CrossRef Google Scholar

Junquiera, A. C. P., Laus, M. F., Almeida, S. S., Braga Costa, T. M., da Cunha, M. C. F., & Swami, V. (2019). Psychometric properties of the Breast Size Rating Scale (BSRS) in Brazilian university women. Body Image, 28, 34–38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.11.004.CrossRef Google Scholar

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Swami, V., & Barron, D. (2019). Translation and validation of body image instruments: Challenges, good practice guidelines, and reporting recommendations for test adaptation. Body Image, 31, 204–220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.08.014.CrossRef Google Scholar PubMed

Swami, V., Cavelti, S., Taylor, D., & Tovée, M. J. (2015). The Breast Size Rating Scale: Development and psychometric evaluation. Body Image, 14, 29–38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2015.02.004.CrossRef Google Scholar PubMed

Swami, V., Tran, U. S., Barron, D., Afhami, R., Aimé, A., Almenara, C. A., et al. (2020). The Breast Size Satisfaction Survey: Breast size dissatisfaction and its antecedents and outcomes in women from 40 countries. Body Image, 32, 199–217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.01.006.CrossRef Google Scholar

Thompson, J. K., & Tantleff, S. (1992). Female and male ratings of upper torso: Actual, ideal, and stereotypical conceptions. Journal of Social Behavior and Personality, 7, 345–354.Google Scholar

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