Divergences in the perception of body image evaluated by the silhouette scale in ascending and random order

Abstract

Introduction: Using an instrument to properly assess body dissatisfaction may enable early diagnosis and treatment of adolescents. Objective: To investigate the possible convergence in results of the silhouette scale arranged in ascending and random order. Methods: The study included 238 female adolescents, aged between 15 and 17 years. Body weight and height measurements were taken for calculating the body mass index. The silhouette scale proposed by Stunkard et al.7 was applied first in ascending order and then in random order. For this, McNemar’s test and the Kappa Index were used. Results: There were significant differences between the two ways of applying the silhouette scale (p<0.001) and the convergence between measures was moderate (0.46). Conclusion: The manners of applying the silhouette scale showed divergences. Moreover, its application in ascending order seems to influence adolescents into adopting a distorted body image.