This investigation reports the development and validation of a new and
improved body-image assessment tool, the Contour Drawing Rating Scale
, consisting of nine male and nine female contour drawings. The drawin
gs were designed with detailed features, are of precisely graduated si
zes, and are easily split at the waist for accurate upper and lower bo
dy comparisons. Initial evidence of the scale's reliability and validi
ty supports its use as a measure of body-size perception.