Psychometric properties and measurement invariance of the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire and Weight Bias Internalization Scale in children and adolescents.

UNLABELLED

Given the negative consequences of weight bias, including internalized weight stigma, on health outcomes, two instruments-the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ) and Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS)-have been developed. However, their psychometric properties are yet to be tested for Asian pediatric populations.

METHOD

Participants aged 8 to 12 years ( = 287; 153 boys) completed the WSSQ and the WBIS, and they were classified into either a group with overweight or a group without overweight based on self-reported weight and height.

RESULTS

Both WSSQ and WBIS had their factor structures supported by confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs). The measurement invariance of two-factor structure was further supported for WSSQ across gender and weight status. The measurement invariance of single-factor structure was supported for WBIS across gender but not across weight status.

CONCLUSIONS

WSSQ and WBIS were both valid to assess the internalization of weight bias. However, the two instruments demonstrated different properties and should be applied in different situations.