Self-Oriented Comparison Scale for Appearance (SOCS-A): Development and psychometric evaluation

Appearance-related social comparison, or comparing one’s body to another’s body, is a risk factor for negative body image and disordered eating. People also compare their current body to their former appearance (i.e., self-oriented appearance comparison), which could also serve as a potential risk, maintenance, or protective factor for negative body image and disordered eating. Yet, there is no existing multi-item measure of self-oriented comparison directions (upward, downward) applicable across diverse appearance-related changes. Therefore, we developed the Self-Oriented Comparison Scale for Appearance (SOCS-A) and investigated its psychometric properties with U.S. community adults in two online studies (Study 1: N = 973; 49.0% women, 48.5% men, 2.5% nonbinary; M age =39.60; Study 2: N = 885; 49.8% women, 48.2% men, 1.9% nonbinary; M age =38.54). Study 1 supported a 2-factor model (upward, downward); Study 2 confirmed this 2-factor structure. Gender invariance, composite reliability, and test-retest reliability were upheld. Convergent, discriminant validity, and incremental validity were supported. Upward self-oriented appearance comparison aligned with maladaptive characteristics (e.g., related positively to upward social comparison, disordered eating, and negative body image and negatively to positive body image, intuitive eating, and well-being), while downward self-oriented appearance comparison was neutral or aligned with positive characteristics. Upward and downward self-oriented appearance comparison accounted for unique variance in body shame, and upward self-oriented appearance comparison accounted for unique variance in disordered eating, beyond appearance-related social comparison and brooding. The 11-item SOCS-A demonstrates strong psychometric properties in U.S. community adults. Continued psychometric and longitudinal research on the SOCS-A is needed in other countries, cultures, and social identity and life experience groups.