Psychometric properties of an Iranian version of the beliefs about appearance scale

    Introduction: Body Image of everyone includes a feel of body satisfaction, self-esteem, and beliefs about appearance. The beliefs about appearance scale (BAAS) was designed to measure dysfunctional attitudes about bodily appearance. The aim of the present study was to validate the Iranian Version of the BAAS in student population.   Materials and Methods: A total of 214 Iranian students (144 females and 70 males) from student club members participated in the study. They were recruited by stratified random sampling from Zanjan's clubs. Participants completed a dysfunctional attitudes scale and a self-esteem questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis, item-total correlation and reliability analyses were undertaken to assess the psychometric properties of the BAAS. In addition, confirmatory factor analysis was administered to assess the measurement model and the construct of internal relations of items.   Results: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the hypothesized model of the BAAS. A four-factor model with an abbreviated 17-item version was confirmed. The BAAS distinguished normal and overweight people significantly. The relationship of BAAS with age in overweight or fat people was more than normal people. The BAAS had positive relationship with dysfunctional attitude positively and negative relationship with self-esteem.   Conclusion: The BAAS has good psychometric properties and it could be used as a clinical tool. Theoretical implication was discussed .