Mohammad Atari^1,, Saeed Akbari-Zardkhaneh², Leila Mohammadi¹, Mehrnoosh Soufiabadi¹

Previous research has shown that the factor structure of Body Appreciation Scale (BAS) may be different across different cultures. The present study examined the factor structure and psychometric properties of Body Appreciation Scale in a sample of 206 Iranian women. Item analysis, exploratory factor analysis, parallel analysis, and correlational analysis were conducted to evaluate the factor structure, reliability, and validity of the instrument. Exploratory factor analysis suggested a three-factor solution; however, parallel analysis and scree plot suggested a two-factor structure. The two-factor solution had a supporting body of literature in non-Western populations and could be conceptually explained. The internal consistency of the scale was very high (alpha=0.94). Concurrent validity of the scale was assessed by correlational analysis of the related constructs. BAS was significantly correlated with the related variables. Suggestions for future research on the factor structure of the scale are discussed.

body appreciation, body image, validation, psychometrics, factor analysis