title: Validation of an interpretation bias assessment for body dissatisfaction.
abstract: Currently, research on interpretation bias and body dissatisfaction is limited. The few experimental paradigms that have been used to explore this phenomenon utilized a method that may not accurately capture the nature of interpretation bias as explained by cognitive theory. The present study investigated the reliability and validity of a novel computerized assessment of interpretation bias (WSAP) for body dissatisfaction, which may more accurately reflect the cognitive processing involved in such bias by implementing the Word Sentence Association Paradigm (WSAP), a previously established method of measuring interpretation bias in other clinical populations. Undergraduate females (n=214) completed the WSAP and other measures. Results indicate initial support for the WSAP as a valid, reliable measure of interpretation bias for body dissatisfaction. Although preliminary, this study contributes to the minimal research in this area and serves as the first psychometric investigation of the WSAP to measure such interpretation bias for body dissatisfaction.
authors.affiliation: Towson University, Towson, MD, United States. Electronic address: marymartinelli12@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Mary K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Martinelli
authors.affiliation: Towson University, Towson, MD, United States.
authors.forename: Jayne B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Holzinger
authors.affiliation: Towson University, Towson, MD, United States.
authors.forename: Gregory S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Chasson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015982:Bias; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology*; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008873:Mid-Atlantic Region; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Body dissatisfaction; Cognitive bias; Eating disorders; Interpretation bias