Validation of the Weight Concerns Scale Applied to Brazilian University Students.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Portuguese version of the Weight Concerns Scale (WCS) when applied to Brazilian university students. The scale was completed by 1084 university students from Brazilian public education institutions. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted. The stability of the model in independent samples was assessed through multigroup analysis, and the invariance was estimated. Convergent, concurrent, divergent, and criterion validities as well as internal consistency were estimated. Results indicated that the one-factor model presented an adequate fit to the sample and values of convergent validity. The concurrent validity with the Body Shape Questionnaire and divergent validity with the Maslach Burnout Inventory for Students were adequate. Internal consistency was adequate, and the factorial structure was invariant in independent subsamples. The results present a simple and short instrument capable of precisely and accurately assessing concerns with weight among Brazilian university students.
Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Araraquara, Universidade Estadual Paulista-UNESP., Rod. Araraquara-Jaú, km 01, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil.
Juliana Chioda Ribeiro
JC
Dias
Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Araraquara, Universidade Estadual Paulista-UNESP., Rod. Araraquara-Jaú, km 01, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil.
Wanderson Roberto
WR
da Silva
Departamento de Ciências Psicológicas e Unidade de Investigação em Psicologia e Saúde-ISPA-IU, Rua Jardim do Tabaco, n° 34, 1149-041, Lisboa, Portugal.
João
J
Maroco
Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Araraquara, Universidade Estadual Paulista-UNESP., Rod. Araraquara-Jaú, km 01, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address: jucampos@fcfar.unesp.br.
Juliana Alvares Duarte Bonini
JA
Campos
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D057215:Body Dysmorphic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D001835:Body Weight; D001938:Brazil; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
Body image; Psychometrics; Test reproducibility; Validation studies; Weight Concerns Scale; Young adults