Cited by 348Eating Disorders and BehaviorsBody Image and Dysmorphia StudiesNutrition, Health and Food Behavior

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

Cash, Thomas F., Santos, Melanie T., Williams, Emily Fleming·2005·Journal of Psychosomatic Research

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.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2004.07.008

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Authors
Cash, T. F., Santos, M. T., & Williams, E. F.
Affiliations
  • Old Dominion University (US)
  • Purdue University West Lafayette (US)
Corresponding author
Cash, Thomas F.
Venue
Journal of Psychosomatic Research
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2005-02
Volume
58
Issue
2
Pages
190-199
ISSN
0022-3999 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W1978232609
Cited by
348
References
35
Citations by year
2026: 18 · 2025: 26 · 2024: 25 · 2023: 36 · 2022: 28 · 2021: 51 · 2020: 15 · 2019: 18 · 2018: 16 · 2017: 16 · 2016: 9 · 2015: 12 · 2014: 16 · 2013: 8 · 2012: 13
FWCI
6.56
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Journal of Psychosomatic Research (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Eating Disorders and Behaviors
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies
  • Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Nutrition, Health and Food Behavior
Keywords
body image, coping strategies, avoidance, eating attitudes, self-esteem, social support, disordered eating, gender differences, ethnic differences, university students, psychosocial functioning
MeSH terms
Adaptation, Psychological, Adolescent, Adult, Analysis of Variance, Body Image, Ethnicity, Female, Humans, Male, Psychological Tests, Psychometrics, Quality of Life, Sex Factors, Virginia, Reproducibility of Results

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