Psychometric development of a new body image scale for breast cancer survivors

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to psychometrically test a body image scale for breast cancer survivors (BCS). Data (n = 1127 BCSs) were obtained via telephone and mailed questionnaires. Psychometric testing was conducted using Cronbach’s alpha, item-total correlations, factor analysis, linear regression, and Pearson’s correlations. Data demonstrated a unidimensional seven-item scale with Cronbach’s alpha = 0.88 and item-total correlations ranging from 0.367 to 0.829. Construct validity was demonstrated with 48% of the variance in well-being explained by constructs in the conceptual model [F(14,784) = 48.35, p < .001]. The body image scale demonstrated high internal consistency reliability, unidimensionality, and construct validity.