BODY IMAGE ASSESSMENT
1). Below is a copy of the Drive for Muscularity Scale (DMS).
I wish to be more muscular. 1 2 3 4 5 6
I do lift weight so as to buildup muscles. 1 2 3 4 5 6
I often drink protein and also weight gain shakes. 1 2 3 4 5 6
I do use energy supplements. 1 2 3 4 5 6
I always try to take in as much calories as possible daily. 1 2 3 4 5 6
I often have a feeling of guilt whenever I miss a weight-training session. 1 2 3 4 5 6
I would become more confident if I gained more muscle mass. 1 2 3 4 5 6
I think by gaining ten pounds, I would, in fact, look better. 1 2 3 4 5 6
I’m thinking of using anabolic steroids. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Gaining more muscle mass would make me feel stronger. 1 2 3 4 5 6
I have a feeling that my weight-training schedule enormously interferes with other significant elements of my life. 1 2 3 4 5 6
I do not think my arms are muscular enough. 1 2 3 4 5 6
I do not think my chest is muscular enough. 1 2 3 4 5 6
I do not think my legs are muscular enough. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Source: McCreary, D.R., & Sasse, D.K. (2000). An exploration of the drive for muscularity in adolescent boys and girls. Journal of American College Health, 48, 297 – 304.
2). Write a brief summary regarding exactly what the assessment measures, how and why professionals use it, and what population the assessment is intended for. (3points)
The Drive for Muscularity is a fifteen item, self report and a paper survey which both males and females can sufficiently complete. In the survey, the respondents note the extent that a series of behaviors, as well as, attitudes can be used in describing them. It hugely represents one’s personal perception that he is not masculine enough and as a result an addition of more bulk should be made to his body frame. This addition is in the form of a muscle mass irrespective of an individual's percentage of body fat or rather the muscle mass. Notably, Drive for Masculinity has a higher prevalence in men whereby past studies have depicted that a masculine mesomorphic shape of a body is usually considered highly desirable in comparison to others. Besides, recent studies have also shown that the women gender, in their part, tend to depict considerably higher levels of the Drive for Masculinity. This thus makes a suggestion that the concept might be significant for them also perhaps in varied ways in comparison to men.
3). An explanation as to why the assessment is reliable and valid. How do you know it is
Scientifically reliable and valid? (3 points)
The Drive for Muscularity Scale can be said to be both reliable and valid. Among the men, the concept has had ‘alpha’ reliability estimates which range from 0.85 to 0.95 in both the reports that have been presented in conferences and also in those that have been published. For the female respondents, on the other hand, the estimates of reliability have been well above 0.80. Basically, these figures fall within the recommended ranges as have been shown by multiple research. It is on the basis of these findings that the Drive for Muscularity Scale can be sufficiently concluded to be both reliable, as well as, valid.
4). A summary of the following information: Would you use this assessment in the future
with clients, students, etc.? Why or why not? If not, what population would you use the
instrument with and why? Do you feel it's a good assessment? Why or why not? Include
any other interesting/pertinent information regarding the assessment tool. It is required
that you demonstrate critical thinking and analysis in this portion of the assignment and
include details to support your assertions. (4 points)
On the first account, the above assessment can be efficiently utilized amongst clients, students and other stakeholders because of its existing relationships between socio-cultural aspects, the social comparisons and the scores of the respondents in the studies. In fact, it is a good assessment because there has been enormous exposure of the society to different idealized images on the media concerning both male and female bodies that are increasingly compared to the universalistic targets that have larger drives for masculinity. Therefore, several factors in the community make immense contributions to the desire to enhance one’s masculinity. (Morrison, Morrison, & Hopkins, 2003, p. 111)
Reference
Morrison, T., Morrison, M., & Hopkins, C. (2003). Striving for bodily perfection? An exploration of the drive for muscularity in Canadian men. Psychology of Men & Masculinity, 4(2), 111-120. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/1524-9220.4.2.111
