Validation of the Chinese Version of the Body Image Flexibility and Inflexibility Scale among Chinese College Students

Abstract

Body image flexibility is a specific type of psychological flexibility relevant to body image. The development of the Body Image Flexibility and Inflexibility Scale (BIFIS) expands the concept and structure of body image flexibility and provides more detailed measurement indicators for theoretical research and clinical practice. However, the tool’s applicability to the Chinese population is still unclear. This study aims to test the reliability and validity of the BIFIS among Chinese college students. A total of 1446 Chinese college students were surveyed and completed a series of scales, including the Chinese version of the BIFIS (i.e., C-BIFIS). A total of 99 participants were retested one month later. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the second-order factor structure of the BIFIS. The C-BIFIS showed measurement invariance across genders. The scale also exhibited good internal consistency and test–retest reliability. The higher-order body image flexibility and inflexibility factors were significantly correlated with unidimensional body image flexibility, body satisfaction, body appreciation, intuitive eating, and life satisfaction. Incremental validity tests indicated that two higher-order factors remained unique predictors of intuitive eating and life satisfaction. In conclusion, the Chinese version of the BIFIS has good psychometric properties and could be used to study body image flexibility in Chinese college student populations.

Keywords

• body image flexibility
• body image inflexibility
• body image flexibility and inflexibility scale
• validation
• college students