Visual Body Scale for Men (VBS) : validation of a new figural rating scale to measure perceived-desired body discrepancy in men

Objectives: This study examined the psychometric properties of the Visual Body Scale for Men (VBSM), a new figural rating scale designed as a measure of male perceived-ideal body discrepancy. Methods: In Study 1, participants were 133 males who selected their perceived and desired bodies from the VBSM. Body composition, body dissatisfaction, eating disorder and depressive symptomatology were obtained. In Study 2, participants were 33 males who completed the VBSM and the Bodybuilder Image Grid (BIG). Study 2 aimed to compare the validity evidence of the VBSM to the BIG. Results: Both VBSM-Body Fat (VBSM-BF) and VBSM-Muscularity (VBSM-M) demonstrated sound test-retest reliability, convergent, concurrent, and discriminant validity evidence. Additionally, the VBSM demonstrated better sensitivity for detecting body fat-related body image and dissatisfaction when compared to the BIG. Conclusion: The VBSM improves upon existing male figural rating scales in terms of image quality, includes both dimensions of a male body image, and demonstrates good psychometric properties.