Tie Measurement of Social Physique Anxiety

TLDR

The SPAS may be useful for basic research on physique anxiety and for applied fitness settings. The study developed a 12‑item self‑report scale to assess anxiety when others observe or evaluate one's physique. The scale was constructed as a 12‑item questionnaire measuring physique anxiety. The Social Physique Anxiety Scale demonstrated high internal and test‑retest reliability, correlated with concerns about others' evaluations and body image, and was valid, as high scorers were heavier, had higher body fat, and reported greater anxiety during real evaluations.

Abstract

A 12-item self-report scale was developed to assess the degree to which people become anxious when others observe or evaluate their physiques. The Social Physique Anxiety Scale (SPAS) demonstrated both high internal and test-retest reliability. It also correlated appropriately with concerns regarding others' evaluations and with feelings about one's body. Validity data showed that women who scored high on the SPAS were heavier and had a higher percentage of body fat than those who scored lower. In addition, high scorers reported significantly greater anxiety during a real evaluation of their physiques, further supporting the validity of the scale. Possible uses of the SPAS in basic research involving physique anxiety and in applied fitness settings are discussed.