Body Shape Questionnaire

What it measures

Measures concerns about body shape, including feelings of fatness, self-consciousness about body shape, and the impact of shape on self-evaluation. One of the most widely used body image measures in eating disorder research. Particularly sensitive to cognitive and attitudinal aspects of body dissatisfaction.

Representative items

• Have you felt so bad about your shape that you have cried?
• Have you avoided running because your flesh might wobble?
• Being with thin women has made you feel self-conscious about your shape?
• Have you worried about your thighs spreading out when sitting down?
• Have you felt ashamed of your body?

Citation

Cooper, P.J., Taylor, M.J., Cooper, Z., & Fairburn, C.G. (1987). The development and validation of the Body Shape Questionnaire. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 6(4), 485–494.