Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Weight Control Strategies Scale (WCSS)

Saman   Nonahal; Shahram   Mohammadkhani; Jafar  Hasani; Mehdi Akbari; Dena  Sadeghi-Bahmani

doi:10.18502/ijps.v16i2.5815

Saman Nonahal
Shahram Mohammadkhani
Jafar Hasani
Mehdi Akbari
Dena Sadeghi-Bahmani

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijps.v16i2.5815

Keywords: Body Weight Maintenance; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Factor Analysis; Psychometrics; Statistical; Self Report; Weight Loss

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to examine the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the Weight Control Strategies Scale among individuals engaged in weight loss or weight maintenance.

Method: This descriptive study conducted from October 2019 to February 2020 on social media networks. A total of 420 men and women were selected using consecutive sampling. They completed the Persian version of the Weight Control Strategies Scale and the Self-Compassion Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s α, confirmatory factor analysis, and Pearson product-moment correlations.

Results: Internal consistency for the total score of the Persian version of Weight Control Strategies Scale was excellent and acceptable to good for all 4 subscales (in all cases over α = 0.70). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the factor structure of the original model of the scale, but, it was different from the model at the item level. Moreover, the Persian version of Weight Control Strategies Scale had good convergent validity.

Conclusion: Psychometrically speaking, the Persian version of the Weight Control Strategies Scale is a valid and reliable tool to assess the psychological and behavioral profile of individuals engaging in losing or maintaining weight, both for clinical and research purposes.