Psychometric properties of the Breast Size Rating Scale (BSRS) in Brazilian university women

Body Image. 2019 Mar:28:34-38. doi: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.11.004. Epub 2018 Dec 5.

Abstract

The present study examined the psychometric properties of a Brazilian Portuguese translation of the Breast Size Rating Scale (BSRS). A total of 194 Brazilian university women completed the BSRS along with measures of body satisfaction, body appreciation, weight discrepancy, and attitudes toward societal appearance ideals. They also had their actual bra size and body mass indices (BMIs) objectively measured. Results indicated evidence of adequate convergent validity insofar as greater breast size dissatisfaction was significantly associated with greater weight discrepancy, higher BMI, lower body appreciation, lower body satisfaction, greater use of information from society about appearance ideals, greater perceived pressure from society about appearance ideals, and greater internalisation of general and athletic appearance ideals, respectively. In our sample, 20.6% of women reported no breast size dissatisfaction, 65.5% desired a larger breast size, and 13.9% desired a smaller breast size. Findings demonstrate that BSRS scores are psychometrically sound and that breast size dissatisfaction is common among Brazilian women.

Keywords: Body appreciation; Brazil; Breast Size Rating Scale; Breast size; Breast size dissatisfaction; Psychometrics.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Body Image / psychology*
  • Body Mass Index*
  • Body Size*
  • Brazil
  • Breast*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Personal Satisfaction*
  • Psychometrics / instrumentation*
  • Psychometrics / standards
  • Students / psychology*
  • Universities
  • Young Adult