Assessing Body Esteem in Adolescents: psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Body Esteem Scale (BESAA-S)

Abstract Background “How do I perceive my own body?“ is a central question during adolescence, which addresses the subjective assessment of body image, called Body Esteem. Although concern about esteem increases there lack psychometrically validated measures to assess it specifically among Spanish adolescents. Objective This study aims validate Body-Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adult populations (BESAA), widely used measure across cultures, adolescent population. Methods The cross-cultural adequacy acceptability Argentinian-Spanish version by Forbes et al., (2012) were pilot tested questionnaire was completed 1,258 students ( M age = 15.56). Next, several psychometric analyses carried out: exploratory (AFE) confirmatory (CFA) factorial structure, convergent discriminant validity, nomological internal consistency, temporal reliability. Results AFE CFA supported reduced BESAA 14 items (BESAA-S) maintained original three-factor structure (BE-Weight, BE-Appearance, BE-Attribution subscales). BESAA-S showed acceptable consistency strong test-retest Discriminant validity between subscales appropriate, appropriate except subscale. Nomological through significant correlations with appreciation, general self-esteem, sociocultural attitudes towards appearance, disordered eating symptoms. negatively associated weight status. Conclusions presents culturally shortened as reliable instrument speaking