The Body Esteem Scale: Multidimensional Structure and Sex Differences in a College Population

TLDR

The study presents norms, reliability, and validity data for an objectively scored Body Esteem Scale. Factor analysis revealed that body esteem is a multidimensional construct with distinct dimensions for males (physical attractiveness, upper body strength, physical condition) and females (sexual attractiveness, weight concern, physical condition), and that male dimensions are more intercorrelated, indicating greater differentiation among females.

Abstract

Abstract Norms and reliability and validity data are presented for an objectively scored Body Esteem Scale. Factor analysis of the scale revealed that body esteem is a multidimensional construct which differs for males and females. For males, the body esteem dimensions dealt with physical attractiveness, upper body strength, and physical condition. For females, the dimensions dealt with sexual attractiveness, weight concern, and physical condition. The three aspects of males' body esteem were more highly intercorrelated than those of the females, indicating a greater degree of body esteem differentiation for females than for males.