The validity of a short version of the Body Shape Questionnaire

This study investigated the 'construct validity' (which includes the extent to which a test conforms to predictions from previous observations) of a 1 4-item version of the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) in 75 patients with ps ychogenic low weight and a history of full or partial anorexia nervosa (AN) . Various predictions were confirmed, i.e. ratings on the BSQ (designed to measure concern about body image) were significantly correlated with rating s for the Eating Attitudes Test, the Bulimia Investigatory Test and the Bec k Depression Inventory, and with the body mass index at referral. Also, the binge eating/purging subtype of AN was associated with increased body-imag e psychopathology. In contrast to a previous report using another questionn aire, this association was independent of body weight. The findings indicat e that this shorter version of the BSQ can be used to assess body image psy chopathology in patients with psychogenic low weight and to confirm an incr eased concern about body-image in the binge-eating/purging subtype of AN. ( C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.