Validation of the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale in Female Eating Disorder Patients

Abstract

In the present study, we investigated the psychometric properties of the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS) in a sample of 60 female eating disorder patients (M_age = 27.82, SD = 9.76). The SAAS was developed to assess anxiety about being negatively evaluated for one's appearance. All patients completed the SAAS, the Eating Disorder Inventory—2, the Physical Health Questionnaire—9 Depression and the Dimensional Assessment of Personality Psychopathology. The SAAS demonstrated a one‐factor structure and a high internal consistency. The SAAS was significantly positive in relation to body mass index, drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction. Concerning personality dimensions, the SAAS was positively related to emotional problems (e.g. depression, anxiety) and interpersonal problems (e.g. suspiciousness, submissiveness). Findings suggest that the SAAS is a psychometrically sound instrument to assess anxiety about being negatively evaluated about one's appearance in a sample of eating disorder patients. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.