Weight Bias Internalization Scale-Modified (WBIS-M)

doi:10.1017/9781009398275.130

Chapter 129 - Weight Bias Internalization Scale-Modified (WBIS-M)

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 November 2025

Rebecca L. Pearl ,

Miriam Sheynblyum and

Dakota L. Leget

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 10- or 11-item Modified Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS-M; Pearl & Puhl, 2014) assesses weight bias internalization (i.e., internalized weight stigma or weight self-stigma). The WBIS-M can be administered on paper, online, or by interview to adolescents or adults (with adapted versions for children) and is free to use in any setting. This chapter first discusses the development of the WBIS-M and then provides evidence of its psychometrics. More specifically, the WBIS-M has been found to have a unidimensional factor structure within most exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity support the use of the WBIS-M. Next, this chapter provides the WBIS-M items in their entirety, instructions for administering the WBIS-M to participants, the item response scale, and the scoring procedure. Abbreviated forms and known translations are described. Logistics of use, such as permissions, copyright, and contact information, are provided for readers.

Keywords

Modified Weight Bias Internalization Scale WBIS-M items internalized weight stigma weight self-stigma scale development psychometric evidence factor structure reliability validity administration scoring translations scale abbreviation

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Type: Chapter
Information: Handbook of Body Image-Related Measures , pp. 382 - 384

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009398275.130 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2025

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References

Aimé, A., Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, M., Dion, J., Markey, C. H., Strodl, E., McCabe, M., Mellor, D., Gallegos, A. G., Pietrabissa, G., & Alcaraz-Ibánez, M. (2020). Assessing positive body image, body satisfaction, weight bias, and appearance comparison in emerging adults: A cross-validation study across eight countries. Body Image, 35, 320–332. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.09.014.CrossRef Google Scholar PubMed

Durso, L. E., & Latner, J. D. (2008). Understanding self‐directed stigma: Development of the weight bias internalization scale. Obesity, 16(S2), S80–S86. https://doi.org/10.1038/oby.2008.448.CrossRef Google Scholar PubMed

Kliem, S., Plus, H. C., Hinz, A., Kersting, A., Brähler, E., & Hilbert, A. (2020). Validation of a three-item short form of the Modified Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS-3) in the German Population. Obesity Facts, 13(6), 560–571. https://doi.org/10.1159/000510923.CrossRef Google Scholar PubMed

Pearl, R. L., & Puhl, R. M. (2014). Measuring internalized weight attitudes across body weight categories: Validation of the modified weight bias internalization scale. Body Image, 11(1), 89–92. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2013.09.005.CrossRef Google Scholar PubMed

Pearl, R. L., Puhl, R. M., Lessard, L. M., Himmelstein, M. S., & Foster, G. D. (2021). Prevalence and correlates of weight bias internalization in weight management: A multinational study. SSM-population Health, 13, 100755. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.100755.CrossRef Google Scholar PubMed

Puhl, R. M., Himmelstein, M. S., & Quinn, D. M. (2018). Internalizing weight stigma: Prevalence and sociodemographic considerations in US Adults. Obesity, 26(1), 167–175. https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.22029.CrossRef Google Scholar PubMed

Romano, K. A., Heron, K. E., Sandoval, C. M., Howard, L. M., MacIntyre, R. I., & Mason, T. B. (2022). A meta-analysis of associations between weight bias internalization and conceptually-related correlates: A step towards improving construct validity. Clinical Psychology Review, 92, 102127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102127.CrossRef Google Scholar PubMed

Zuba, A., & Warschburger, P. (2018). Weight bias internalization across weight categories among school-aged children. Validation of the Weight Bias Internalization Scale for Children. Body Image, 25, 56–65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.02.008.CrossRef Google Scholar PubMed

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