Objective: This study evaluates Fat Phobia Scale (FPS) measurement invariance across Germany, USA, Brazil, gender, and group type (general population vs. healthcare professionals). Method: MG-CFA was conducted on 3,309 participants (Germany: 1,401; USA: 1,401; Brazil: 507 healthcare professionals), with samples derived from the cited papers. We tested a 10-item structure validated via cross-validation (Germany: CFI=.974; USA: CFI=.919).Results: Configural invariance was supported ($\chi^2=226.80, df=70, CFI=0.918$). While 10 items were invariant between Germany and USA, and 7 across genders, only 5 items (FB4: activity, FB5: attractiveness, FB6: confidence, FB10: health, FB12: strength) remained fully invariant across all groups and professional roles. Partial invariance was achieved by freeing constraints on self-control (FB8) and adiposity (FB7), identifying them as context-sensitive dimensions.Conclusions: While the FPS remains a robust tool, weight-related stereotypes are not fully homogeneous. A common core is stable, but several items show context-dependent functioning. Future research should move beyond assuming full equivalence and instead identify which dimensions are broadly shared versus those shaped by specific social and cultural contexts.References & Data: 1. Kim et al. (2019) PLOS ONE 14(8):e0221214 (In-paper). 2. Sozza et al. (2026) Clin Obes e12700. Data: OSF (https://osf.io/z5t76/).
Does the Fat Phobia Scale speak the same language? Cross-cultural, gender, and professional invariance across Germany, USA, and Brazil. 12th Annual International Weight Stigma Conference, Oslo, 13–14 giugno 2026 / Becchimanzi, M., Colledani, D., Selvi, L.. - (2026). (International Weight Stigma Conference, Oslo, 13–14 giugno 2026 Oslo ).
Does the Fat Phobia Scale speak the same language? Cross-cultural, gender, and professional invariance across Germany, USA, and Brazil. 12th Annual International Weight Stigma Conference, Oslo, 13–14 giugno 2026.
Becchimanzi, M.;Colledani, D.;Selvi, L.
2026
Abstract
Objective: This study evaluates Fat Phobia Scale (FPS) measurement invariance across Germany, USA, Brazil, gender, and group type (general population vs. healthcare professionals). Method: MG-CFA was conducted on 3,309 participants (Germany: 1,401; USA: 1,401; Brazil: 507 healthcare professionals), with samples derived from the cited papers. We tested a 10-item structure validated via cross-validation (Germany: CFI=.974; USA: CFI=.919).Results: Configural invariance was supported ($\chi^2=226.80, df=70, CFI=0.918$). While 10 items were invariant between Germany and USA, and 7 across genders, only 5 items (FB4: activity, FB5: attractiveness, FB6: confidence, FB10: health, FB12: strength) remained fully invariant across all groups and professional roles. Partial invariance was achieved by freeing constraints on self-control (FB8) and adiposity (FB7), identifying them as context-sensitive dimensions.Conclusions: While the FPS remains a robust tool, weight-related stereotypes are not fully homogeneous. A common core is stable, but several items show context-dependent functioning. Future research should move beyond assuming full equivalence and instead identify which dimensions are broadly shared versus those shaped by specific social and cultural contexts.References & Data: 1. Kim et al. (2019) PLOS ONE 14(8):e0221214 (In-paper). 2. Sozza et al. (2026) Clin Obes e12700. Data: OSF (https://osf.io/z5t76/).I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
