Body Self-Image Questionnaire – Short Form

Instructions to Users of the BSIQ-SF

  1. When using the BSIQ-SF, please note the standardized instructions to participants that have been used in all prior versions of the BSIQ (below). Feel free to add extra instructions that pertain to your study – however, I recommend you always incorporate the participant directions below, with minimal rewording.
  2. On the next page, the response instructions and 27 statement items are listed in the order they should be administered. Note that for your convenience, the subscale is noted after each item – this notation should be removed before administering the BSIQ-SF to participants.
  3. Items are scored on a 1-5 point scale, with a=1, b=2, c=3, d=4, and e=5. The BSIQ should not be used for a summed "total body image" score. Each subscale score ranges from a minimum of 3 to a maximum of 15. Note: Item 1 should be reverse-scored, i.e., a=5, b=4, c=3, d=2, and e=1.
  4. Subscales are OAE = Overall Appearance Evaluation; HFI = Health Fitness Influence; II = Investment in Ideals; HFE = Health-Fitness Evaluation; AG = Attention to Grooming; HD = Height Dissatisfaction; FE = Fatness Evaluation; NA = Negative Affect; SD = Social Dependence.
  5. There are also 5 social desirability items that have been added in all prior research with the BSIQ. They fit the same Likert scale response format, and can be added to the BSIQ-SF if desired, in order to test for socially desirable responses. These are included in the earlier, 51-item version of the BSIQ (from which the BSIQ-SF was developed) – see file named BSIQ versions 02. Also, see a) Hays, R. D., Hayashi, T., & Stewart, A. L. (1989). A five-item measure of socially desirable response set. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 49, 629-636, and b) Hays SDRS-5 instructions (both available from David Rowe).
  6. The development and cross-validation of the BSIQ-SF was reported in a poster presentation at the 2005 ACSM Annual Meeting (pdf available from David Rowe). Reference: Rowe, D. A. (2005). Factorial validity and cross-validation of the Body Self-Image Questionnaire (Short Form) in young adults. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 37, S148; or Rowe, D. (2005, June). Factorial validity and cross-validation of the Body Self-Image Questionnaire (Short Form) in young adults. Presented at the American College of Sports Medicine National Convention, Nashville, TN.
  7. For further details or questions, please contact Dr. David Rowe at

Wording of cover page instructions to participants:

On the following page is a questionnaire to find out your thoughts and feelings about the human body (commonly called body image). It is expected that completion of the questionnaire should take an average of 10 to 15 minutes. The questionnaire consists of a series of statements about you and your body. Please read each statement carefully, and decide what is your response to the statement. The questionnaire provides clear instructions as to how to respond on the “bubble sheet” provided.

Your responses to this questionnaire will remain completely anonymous. After you return the questionnaire, no one will be able to identify which questionnaire came from you, even the person who collects the questionnaire. There are no identification numbers on the questionnaire to connect it to you, and you should not write your name on the questionnaire or the “bubble sheet” for the same reason.

Please note that there are no “right” or “wrong” answers to this questionnaire. The most important concern is that your response should reflect honestly what you really think or feel. Some of the questions may seem similar, but they are all slightly different. Please read each item carefully, so that you fully understand its meaning before you respond. If there is anything you do not understand, please ask any questions you may have.

Finally, please also understand that your participation is voluntary. If, after having the questionnaire explained to you, you feel that you do not wish to participate, you may simply return the questionnaire without completing it, and without fear of penalty. If you do decide to participate, I thank you in advance for your cooperation.


Instructions for Statement 1 through Statement 27

Statements 1 through 27 are all related to you and your body. Read each statement carefully, and decide how true the statement is for you. Use the rating scale below to indicate how true the statement is for you. Pencil in the bubble for the letter that indicates your response:

Response Format

STATEMENTS

1)  I think my body is unattractive. (OAE)

2)  How well my body is functioning influences the way I feel about my body. (HFI)

3)  Having a well-proportioned body is important to me. (II)

4)  My overall fitness level is high. (HFE)

5)  I compare my body to people I’m close to (friends, relatives, etc.). (SD)

6)  I’ve often wanted to be taller. (HD)

7)  I think my body looks fat in clothes. (FE)

8)  My naked body makes me feel sad. (NA)

9)  I pay careful attention to my face and hair, so that I will look good. (AG)

10) I look good in clothes. (OAE)

11) I feel better about my body when I’m fitter. (HFI)

12) Body size matters to me. (II)

13) My body is healthy. (HFE)

14) Being around good-looking people makes me feel bad about my body. (SD)

15) I wish I were a different height. (HD)

16) My body is overweight. (FE)

17) I feel depressed about my body. (NA)

18) I’m usually well-dressed. (AG)

19) My body looks good. (OAE)

20) The way I feel about my body improves when I exercise regularly. (HFI)

21) I care about how well-shaped my legs are. (II)

22) My body is in shape. (HFE)

23) I’m more aware of my body when I’m in social situations. (SD)

24) If I were a different height, I’d like my body better. (HD)

25) I wish I were thinner. (FE)

26) Most days I feel bad about my body. (NA)

27) I spend time making my appearance more attractive. (AG)