Assessing Your Body Image

Respond to each item by using the following scale:

Never = 0

Sometimes = 1

Often = 2

Always = 3

1.         I dislike seeing myself in mirrors.

2.         When I shop for clothing‚ I am more aware of my weight problem‚ and consequently I find shopping for clothes somewhat unpleasant.

3.         I am ashamed to be seen in public.

4.         I prefer to avoid engaging in sports or public exercise because of my appearance.

5.         I feel somewhat embarrassed by my body in the presence of someone of the other sex.

6.         I think my body is ugly.

7.         I feel that other people must think my body is unattractive.

8.         I feel that my family or friends may be embarrassed to be seen with me.

9.         I find myself comparing my body with other people to see if they are heavier than I am.

10.       I find it difficult to enjoy activities because I am self-conscious about my physical appearance.

11.       Feeling guilty about my weight problem preoccupies most of my thinking.

12.       My thoughts about my body and physical appearance are negative and self-critical.

Source: Strong‚ B.‚ & Sayad‚ B.W. (1999). The resource book: A teacher’s tool kit to accompany Human Sexuality by Bryan Strong‚ Christine DeVault‚ and Barbara W. Sayad (p. 209). Copyright 1999 Mayfield Publishing Company. Reprinted by permission of The McGraw-Hill Companies.