Journal of Psychosomatic Research
Volume 58, Issue 2 , Pages 190-199, February 2005

Coping with body-image threats and challenges: validation of the Body Image Coping Strategies Inventory

  • Thomas F. Cash

      Affiliations

    • Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529-0267, United States
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +1 757 683 4439; fax: +1 757 683 5087.
    • ,
  • Melanie T. Santos

      Affiliations

    • Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, Virginia Beach, VA, United States
    • ,
  • Emily Fleming Williams

      Affiliations

    • Purdue University, Lafayette, IN, United States

Received 6 January 2004; accepted 20 July 2004.

Abstract 

Objective

Despite extensive research on both body image and coping, little attention has been given to their interface. This investigation examined the reliability and validity of the newly developed Body Image Coping Strategies Inventory (BICSI), which measures how individuals characteristically manage threats or challenges to body-image experiences.

Methods

The BICSI and other relevant body-image and psychosocial functioning inventories were completed by 603 male and female college students.

Results

Results revealed a 29-item measure consisting of three internally consistent body-image coping factors: avoidance, appearance fixing, and positive rational acceptance. The BICSI significantly converged with other pertinent measures of body-image evaluation, affect, and investment, and with psychosocial functioning (i.e., self-esteem, social support, and eating disturbance). Regression analyses indicated that multiple coping strategies predicted individuals' body-image quality of life and their eating attitudes. Compared with men, women used all coping strategies more, especially appearance-fixing strategies. Ethnic differences were identified.

Conclusion

The empirical findings support the reliability and validity of the BICSI. Limitations, implications, and research directions are considered.

Keywords: Body image, Body-image quality of life, Body satisfaction, Body-image schemas, Coping strategies, Scale development

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PII: S0022-3999(04)00549-5

doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2004.07.008

Journal of Psychosomatic Research
Volume 58, Issue 2 , Pages 190-199, February 2005

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