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Chapter 57 - Centre for Appearance Research Valence (CARVAL) and Salience (CARSAL) Scales

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 November 2025

By
Timothy P. Moss
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

The 6-item Centre for Appearance Research Valence Measure (CARVAL) and the 7-item Centre for Appearance Research Salience Measure (CARSAL; Moss & Rosser, 2012) assess different dimensions of body image. The CARVAL measures the valence of appearance-related thoughts and feelings, while the CARSAL assesses the salience or importance of appearance in an individual’s self-concept. These scales can be administered in-person to adolescents and adults and are free for use under a Creative Commons license. This chapter outlines the development of the CARVAL and CARSAL scales, including expert input and testing across diverse populations. Both scales have demonstrated strong psychometric properties, including high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha: .88 to .93 for CARVAL, .86 to .91 for CARSAL) and reliability. Confirmatory factor analyses support the scales’ cognitive, affective, and relational dimensions. This chapter provides detailed instructions for administering the scales, the Likert-based response format, and scoring procedures. Known translations include Portuguese, and further translations may be developed. The chapter also provides information on copyright and permissions, ensuring that these tools are accessible for research and clinical purposes.

Keywords

CARVALCARSALappearance-related thoughtsappearance salienceappearance valencescale developmentpsychometric propertiesfactor structurereliabilityvaliditybody imageappearance investmentself-conceptscoringtranslationsadministration

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Chapter
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Handbook of Body Image-Related Measures , pp. 176 - 178
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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References

Baumeister, R. F., Vohs, K. D., DeWall, C. N., & Zhang, L. (2007). How emotion shapes behavior: Feedback, anticipation, and reflection, rather than direct causation. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 11(2), 167–203. https://doi.org/10.1177/1088868307301033.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Cash, T. F. (2012). Cognitive-behavioral perspectives on body image. In Cash, T. F. (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Body Image and Human Appearance (Vol. 1, pp. 334–342). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-384925-0.00054-4.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Cash, T. F., & Smolak, L. (Eds.). (2011). Body Image: A Handbook of Science, Practice, and Prevention (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.Google Scholar
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Mendes, J., Rego, R., & Pereira, V. (2019). Tradução e Adaptação da Escala CARSAL/CARVAL para Portugal: Estudo psicométrico/Translation and Adaptation of the CARSAL / CARVAL Scale to Portugal: A psychometric study. International Journal of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, 6(4), 235–245. https://doi.org/10.17575/rpsicol.v33i1.1425.Google Scholar
Moss, T. P. (1997). The role of appearance in the self-concept. Journal of Health Psychology, 2(3), 345–355.Google Scholar
Moss, T. P., & Rosser, B. A. (2012). The moderated relationship of appearance valence on appearance self consciousness: Development and testing of new measures of appearance schema components. PLoS ONE, 7(11): e50605. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0050605.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Moss, T. P., Lawson, V., & White, P. (2014). Salience and valence of appearance in a population with a visible difference of appearance: Direct and moderated relationships with self-consciousness, anxiety and depression. PLoS ONE, 9(2), e88435. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0088435.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Rosenberg, M. (1979). Conceiving the Self. Basic Books.Google 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. https://doi.org/10.1037/10312-000.CrossRefGoogle Scholar

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