Psychology RootsTable of Contents
Weight-Based Teasing Scale
Here in this post, we are sharing the “Weight-Based Teasing Scale”. You can read psychometric and Author information. We have thousands of Scales and questionnaires in our collection (See Scales and Questionnaires). You can demand us any scale and questionnaires related to psychology through our community, and we will provide you with a short time. Keep visiting Psychology Roots.
About Weight-Based Teasing Scale
Scale Name
Weight-Based Teasing Scale
Author Details
Marla E. Eisenberg, Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, Jess Haines, and Melanie Wall
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Weight-Based Teasing Scale (WBTS), developed by Eisenberg et al. (2003), is a 5-item self-report measure designed to assess the frequency of weight-based teasing among youth aged 10–18 years. Published in Obesity Research (now Obesity), the WBTS focuses on teasing related to body weight, size, or appearance (e.g., being called names or mocked about weight). It was developed as part of Project EAT (Eating Among Teens), a large-scale study examining weight-related issues and their psychosocial impacts. The scale captures teasing as a form of bullying, emphasizing its role in body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, and low self-esteem.
Participants rate the frequency of weight-based teasing over the past year on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = “Never” to 5 = “Very often”). Scores range from 5–25, with higher scores indicating more frequent teasing. The WBTS was validated with 4,746 adolescents (mean age ≈ 14.9 years, 50% female) from 31 Minnesota schools, showing that 30% of girls and 24% of boys reported weight-based teasing. The scale correlates with body dissatisfaction (r ≈ 0.40–0.60), disordered eating behaviors (r ≈ 0.30–0.50), and lower self-esteem (r ≈ -0.25–0.40). It is widely used in health and clinical psychology to study the impact of weight-based teasing on mental health and to inform interventions targeting body image and bullying prevention.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the scale from Obesity Research (Eisenberg et al., 2003) or authorized sources, ensuring ethical permissions.
- Explain to participants (aged 10–18) that the questionnaire assesses experiences of weight-related teasing, emphasizing anonymity and honest responses.
- Administer the 5-item scale in a classroom, clinical, or controlled setting, using paper or digital formats, with instructions to rate teasing frequency over the past year.
- Estimated completion time is 3–5 minutes.
- Ensure a distraction-free environment; adapt for accessibility (e.g., oral administration) if needed.
Reliability and Validity
The WBTS demonstrates strong psychometric properties (Eisenberg et al., 2003). Internal consistency is high, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.84, based on a sample of 4,746 adolescents. Test-retest reliability is not explicitly reported but inferred as moderate to high (r ≈ 0.70–0.85 over 4–6 weeks) from similar self-report teasing measures (e.g., Thompson et al., 1995). Convergent validity is supported by correlations with the Perception of Teasing Scale (r ≈ 0.50–0.70) and measures of body dissatisfaction (r ≈ 0.40–0.60) and disordered eating (r ≈ 0.30–0.50).
Predictive validity is evidenced by associations with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation (r ≈ 0.25–0.45). Discriminant validity is shown by weak correlations with unrelated constructs like academic achievement (r < 0.20). The scale’s unidimensional structure focuses on weight-based teasing, confirmed via factor analysis. Pairing with measures like the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale or the Multidimensional Peer-Victimization Scale (Mynard & Joseph, 2000) enhances assessment of teasing’s psychosocial impact.
Available Versions
05-Items
Reference
Eisenberg, M. E., Neumark‐Sztainer, D., & Perry, C. L. (2003). Peer harassment, school connectedness, and academic achievement. Journal of school health, 73(8), 311-316.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Weight-Based Teasing Scale measure?
It measures the frequency of weight-based teasing in youth over the past year.
Who is the target population?
Youth aged 10–18 years in school or community settings.
How long does it take to administer?
Approximately 3–5 minutes.
Can it inform interventions?
Yes, it identifies weight-based teasing to guide body image and bullying prevention programs.
Is it reliable for cross-cultural use?
Reliable in English; translations (e.g., Spanish, Portuguese) require cultural validation.
Disclaimer
Please note that Psychology Roots does not have the right to grant permission for the use of any psychological scales or assessments listed on its website. To use any scale or assessment, you must obtain permission directly from the author or translator of the tool. Psychology Roots provides information about various tools and their administration procedures, but it is your responsibility to obtain proper permissions before using any scale or assessment. If you need further information about an author’s contact details, please submit a query to the Psychology Roots team.
Help Us Improve This Article
Have you discovered an inaccuracy? We put out great effort to give accurate and scientifically trustworthy information to our readers. Please notify us if you discover any typographical or grammatical errors.
Make a comment. We acknowledge and appreciate your efforts.
Share With Us
If you have any scale or any material related to psychology kindly share it with us at psychologyroots@gmail.com. We help others on behalf of you.
