VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY STUDY FOR DEVELOPING A FASHION-BASED WEIGHT PERCEPTION SCALE

Abstract

The aim of this study is to develop and conduct validity and reliability analyses of the Fashion-Based Weight Perception Scale, which was developed to assess the extent to which individuals’ weight perceptions are influenced by fashion, aesthetic norms, and media representations. The research was conducted on a sample of 309 individuals aged 18–65 living in Istanbul. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were applied to test the construct validity of the scale. EFA results showed that the scale has a structure consisting of 4 sub-dimensions and 20 items explaining 74.95% of the total variance. CFA findings revealed that the obtained model has acceptable fit indices. The reliability of the scale was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha internal consistency coefficient, corrected item-total correlations, and the significance level of the lower 27%-upper 27% difference; the findings revealed item discrimination. It was determined that the scale results did not change over time and that test-retest reliability was observed. To test the convergent validity of the scale, the Average Variance Extracted (AVE) value and Composite Reliability (CR) values ​​were used, and convergent validity was ensured. In conclusion, the Fashion-Inspired Weight Perception Scale was determined to be a valid and reliable measurement tool for evaluating weight perception in adults within the context of fashion and aesthetic norms. It is thought that the scale can be used in research on body image, eating behaviors, and psychological well-being, as well as in preventive psychological counseling applications.