Assessing body dissatisfaction: Validation of the Italian version of the Body Shape Questionnaire-14 (BSQ-14)

This study aimed to investigate the factor structure of the Italian version of the Body Shape Questionnaire-14 (BSQ-14) with a sample of young women. Exploratory factor analysis (n = 497) was performed and convergent validity of the scale (n = 344) was analysed examining correlations with the Contour Drawing Rating Scale and the Multi-Dimensional Body Self Relations Questionnaire – Appearance Evaluation Scale. Results of factor analysis confirmed the structure of the English version of the scale, which is a monofactorial one. Cronbach's alphas was high and convergent validity was found to be good. Body dissatisfaction, assessed through the BSQ-14, was a significant predictor of dieting. The BSQ-14 seems a valid instrument to measure young women’s body dissatisfaction in the Italian context.