The Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS): Psychometric properties and results of the Dutch version in a community sample and a sample of women with eating disorders

Body satisfaction in eating disorders (EDs) is negatively affected by critical evaluation of aesthetic aspects. A focus on the appreciation for the functioning of the body could create a more positive perspective. The Functional Appreciation Scale (FAS) measures functional appreciation. This is the first study that examines the Dutch version of the FAS in a clinical sample. Psychometric properties and differences in scores are evaluated in an ED and a community sample consisting of women. Factor analysis identified and confirmed a one-dimensional factor structure. Reliability was adequate; convergent and discriminant validity were supported through correlations with the Body Cathexis Scale and the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire respectively. Women with EDs scored significantly lower than women from a community sample. Further research regarding the applicability of the FAS for clinical practice is needed because of the ceiling effect and the lack of strong invariance between the clinical and non-clinical group.