Psychometric validation of the Appearance Anxiety Inventory in an adolescent and young adult sample

Objective: Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) typically emerges in adolescence, however, the development of self-report measures for BDD has largely focused on adult samples. gThe aim of the current study was to validate the psychometric properties of the Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI) in adolescent and young adult (AYA) sample. Method: 195 AYA aged 12–21 years (M_age = 18.25 years; SD = 2.51) completed the study. Results: Both the 9-item (χ² (27) = 118.91, p <.001; SRMR =.051 and CFI =.919) and a 10-item version of the AAI (χ² (35) = 129.10, p <.001; SRMR =.047 and CFI =.931) demonstrated acceptable fit. The AAI was found to differentiate between those with and without clinically significant BDD symptoms (d = 1.87). The AAI also demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α =.93) and excellent convergent validity with the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Dimensional Scale (r =.79). Divergent validity was demonstrated with smaller correlations with the Life Orientation Test Revised (r = -.41) or General Self-Efficacy Scale (r = -.43). Conclusions: The AAI may be a useful tool to assist with the assessment and measurement of BDD-related symptoms in the AYA population.