Uma perspectiva cognitivo-comportamental sobre a imagem corporal: Estudos psicométricos do Questionário de Crenças sobre a Aparência

Cash’s cognitive-behavioral model on body image explains the
development of body image schemas through the interaction of two kinds of
factors: historical and developmental influences and proximal events and
processes. Those schemas guide the cognitive processing of appearancerelated information, causing emotions and behaviors associated with body
image, a multidimensional construct.
In the present investigation, we conducted the psychometric studies of
a questionnaire that aims to assess the investment component of body image,
consisting of the centrality of appearance in people’s life and their level of
motivation to manage their physical appearance. A sample consisting of 226
adults answered The Beliefs About Appearance Questionnaire (ASI-R),
which showed good levels of reliability and validity. As predicted, gender
differences were found in the answers to the instrument. Subsequently, a
group consisting of 60 pregnant women was compared with a group of 45
non-pregnant women drawn from the initial sample. Results showed no
significant differences between the two groups, regarding body image
investment.