Physical Appearance Comparison Scale-3 (PACS-3)

doi:10.1017/9781009398275.110

Chapter 109 - Physical Appearance Comparison Scale-3 (PACS-3)

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 November 2025

Isha Modha and

Edited by

Virginia Ramseyer Winter ,

Tracy L. Tylka and

Antoinette M. Landor

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Virginia Ramseyer Winter: Affiliation:
University of Minnesota
Tracy L. Tylka: Affiliation:
Ohio State University
Antoinette M. Landor: Affiliation:
University of Missouri

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Summary

The 27-item Physical Appearance Comparison Scale-3 (PACS-3; Schaefer & Thompson, 2018) is a comprehensive measure of appearance comparison behaviors, assessing the frequency, direction, and emotional impact of weight, shape, general appearance, and muscularity comparisons. The PACS-3 can be administered online or in-person to young adults and adolescents and is free to use in any setting. This chapter first discusses the development of the original PACS, PACS-R, and the PACS-3 within the appearance comparison literature and then provides evidence of its psychometrics. More specifically, the frequency items from the PACS-3 have been found to have a three-factor structure within exploratory and confirmatory analyses across both American and Spanish samples. Items assessing comparison direction and emotional impact require further psychometric evaluation. Scores on the PACS-3 demonstrate adequate internal consistency and test-retest reliability and preliminary evidence of convergent and incremental validity. Next, this chapter provides the PACS-3 items in their entirety, instructions for administering the PACS-3 to participants, the item response scale, and the scoring procedure. Known translations are provided. Logistics of use, such as permissions, copyright, and contact information, are provided for readers.

Keywords

Physical Appearance Comparison Scale-3 PACS-3 items physical appearance comparison appearance-related comparison scale development psychometric evidence factor structure reliability validity administration scoring translations

Information

Type: Chapter
Information: Handbook of Body Image-Related Measures , pp. 322 - 325

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009398275.110 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2025

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References

Brichacek, A. L., Neill, J. T., Murray, K., Rieger, E., & Watsford, C. (2024). The distinct affect regulation functions of body image flexibility and inflexibility: A prospective study in adolescents and emerging adults. Body Image, 50, 101726. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101726.CrossRef Google Scholar PubMed

Schaefer, L. M., & Thompson, J. K. (2014). The development and validation of the Physical Appearance Comparison Scale-Revised (PACS-R). Eating Behaviors, 15(2), 209–217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eatbeh.2014.01.001.CrossRef Google Scholar PubMed

Schaefer, L. M., & Thompson, J. K. (2018). The development and validation of the Physical Appearance Comparison Scale–3 (PACS-3). Psychological Assessment, 30(10), 1330–1341. https://doi.org/10.1037/pas0000576.CrossRef Google Scholar PubMed

Senín-Calderón, C., Santos-Morocho, J., & Rodríguez-Testal, J. F. (2020). Validation of a Spanish version of the Physical Appearance Comparison Scales. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(20), 7399. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17207399.CrossRef Google Scholar PubMed

Swami, V., & Barron, D. (2019). Translation and validation of body image instruments: Challenges, good practice guidelines, and reporting recommendations for test adaptation. Body Image, 31, 204–220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.08.014.CrossRef Google Scholar PubMed

Swami, V., Todd, J., & Barron, D. (2021). Translation and validation of body image instruments: An addendum to Swami and Barron (2019) in the form of frequently asked questions. Body Image, 37, 214–224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.03.002.CrossRef Google Scholar PubMed

Thompson, J. K., Heinberg, L., & Tantleff-Dunn, S. (1991). The Physical Appearance Comparison Scale. The Behavior Therapist, 14, 174.Google Scholar

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