Abstract:
Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of 'The Body Image Coping Strategies Inventory-BICSI' developed by Cash, Santos and Williams(1). BICSI, 29 item, self-report measurement. It consists three subscales: Appearance fixing, positive rational acceptance and avoidance. Methods: BICSI was administered to 473 university students from Sakarya University and Dokuz Eylul University. The psychometric properties of scale were investigated by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, criterion related validity, test re-test and Cronbach's alpha methods. Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale and Social Appearance Anxiety Scale were used for criterion related validity. Results: In order to examine the structure validity and of BICSI confirmatory factor analysis have been carried out. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the three-factor model fitted the research data. Internal reliability, test-retest reliability, item analysis, criterion-related validity analysis has demonstrated its reliability and validity. Conclusion: The psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the BICSI showed that a satisfactory level of reliability and validity. The scale can be used in Turkish university students to assess body image coping strategies. (Anatolian Journal of Psychiatry 2011; 12:121-129)