more ( Ms563.8 kg and 57.0 kg for high and low scorers, respectively) and had a significantly higher percentage
of body fat ( Ms531.6% vs. 28.1%, respectively). These differences were verified by observers who rated women
scoring high on the SPAS as significantly larger than women who scored low ( Hart et al., 1989 ).
In a study that examined commitment to exercise among female college students, Finkenberg, DiNucci, McCune,
Chenette, and McCoy (1998) found that women who were least committed to engaging in physical exercise scored
highest on the SPAS and that female college athletes had the lowest SPAS scores. Interestingly, Frederick and
Morrison (1996) found that exercise frequency predicted higher SPAS scores. Thus, although high physique anxiety
may deter people from starting to exercise, once a person is committed to an exercise program, those with greater
concerns about their physique may exercise more, presumably to improve their physical appearance.
Not only has research shown that SPAS scores predict commitment to exercise and exercise frequency, but
scores are also influenced by engaging in physical exercise. McAuley et al. (2002) found that SPAS scores in sed-
entary older adults ( M565 years) decreased after they completed a structured exercise program for 6 months
and that level of physical fitness predicted lower social physique anxiety at the end of the exercise intervention.
Location
Hart, E.A., Leary, M.R., & Rejeski, W.J. (1989). The measurement of social physique anxiety. Journal of Sport
and Exercise Psychology, 11 ,9 4/C0104.
Results and Comments
The SPAS assesses the degree to which people are concerned about others’ judgments of their body’s size and
shape. It has been used to study eating disorders, the motivation to engage in physical exercise, and the effective-
ness of weight loss interventions. The majority of research that has used the SPAS examined the relationships
among self-presentational concerns, social physique anxiety, and exercise behavior.
The SPAS has been administered mostly to female participants, and results concerning gender differences on
the SPAS are mixed. Most studies show that women score significantly higher on the SPAS than men ( Hagger &
Stevenson, 2010; Motl & Conroy, 2000 ), but one did not find a difference when using a translated version of the
SPAS with a Swedish sample ( Lindwall, 2004 ).
Studies have also shown gender differences in the relationship between SPAS and engaging in physical exer-
cise. Studies have found a stronger negative relationship between social physique anxiety and engaging in physi-
cal exercise for men than for women ( Belling, 1992; Lantz et al., 1997 ). Moreover, Frederick and Morrison (1996)
found that women who scored highly on the SPAS actually engaged in more exercise.
The SPAS has been used with a range of ages, and the patterns of internal consistency, convergent validity,
and predictive validity are similar when used with adolescents, children, and adults ( Hagger & Stevenson, 2010 ).
However, other studies have shown that the negative relationship between social physique anxiety and adhering
to an exercise intervention decreases with age ( Treasure, Lox, & Lawton, 1998 ). Modified versions of the SPAS
(both shortened versions and translations) generalize across cultures ( Hagger et al., 2007 ;Maı¨ano et al., 2010 ).
SOCIAL PHYSIQUE ANXIETY SCALE
The following questionnaire contains statements
concerning your body physique or figure. By physique
or figure we mean your body’s form and structure;
specifically, body fat, muscular tone, and general body
proportions. Read each item carefully and indicate how
characteristic it is of you according to the following
scale.
15Not at all characteristic of me
25Slightly characteristic of me
35Moderately characteristic of me
45Very characteristic of me
55Extremely characteristic of me
1.I am comfortable with the appearance of my
physique or figure. (R)2.I would never worry about wearing clothes that
might make me look too thin or overweight. (R)
3.I wish I wasn’t so up-tight about my physique
or figure.
4.There are times when I am bothered by thoughts
that other people are evaluating my weight or
muscular development negatively.
5.When I look in the mirror I feel good about my
physique or figure. (R)
6.Unattractive features of my physique or figure make
me nervous in certain social settings.
7.In the presence of others, I feel apprehensive about
my physique or figure.
8.I am comfortable with how fit my body appears to
others. (R)462 16. MEASURES OF CONCERNS WITH PUBLIC IMAGE AND SOCIAL EVALUATION
IV. INTERPERSONAL STYLES