Dimensional structure, psychometric properties, and sex invariance of a Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) translation of the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire-Appearance Scales (MBSRQ-AS) in Malaysian Malay adults

The 34-item Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire-Appearance Scales (MBSRQ-AS) is a widely-used measure of multidimensional body image. Here, we examined the psychometric properties of a Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) translation of the MBSRQ-AS. A sample of 629 Malaysian Malays (women n = 315) completed the MBSRQ-AS, as well as measures of body appreciation, psychological well-being, perceptions of appearance ideals, and internalisation of appearance ideals. Exploratory factor analysis indicated that the MBSRQ-AS items reduced to four dimensions, although one factor had less-than-adequate internal consistency. Omitting this factor resulted in a 23-item 3-factor solution, which we tested for fit using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) alongside the parent 5-factor model. CFA indicated that both models had good fit on some indices, but less-than-ideal fit on other indices, with the 3-factor model showing comparatively better fit. Multi-group CFA indicated that it was not possible to achieve scalar invariance across sex, but internal consistency coefficients were adequate. Evidence of construct validity, as assessed through correlations between MBSRQ-AS scores and additional measures, was mixed. We discuss reasons that complicate interpretation of the dimensionality of MBSRQ-AS scores in this and previous studies, and call for further research on this issue.