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Previous studies have not fully investigated the psychometric properties of the Photographic Figure Rating Scale (PFRS). In 2 studies, we report on the test-retest reliability and convergent validity of ratings derived from the PFRS. In Study 1, 322 female university students in Britain provided self-ratings on the PFRS and objectively measured body mass index (BMI); a subsample of 132 women also completed the task after 5 weeks. In Study 2, 243 women from the community in Austria completed the PFRS along with a battery of other body image scales. Results of Study 1 showed that ratings on the PFRS had good test-retest reliability (all rs> .87) and good convergent validity in relation to BMI. Results of Study 2 showed that PFRS-derived body dissatisfaction scores were significantly correlated with a range of body image variables. These results provide evidence for the convergent validity and good test-retest reliability of the PFRS.

During the spring diatom blooms of I992 and 1993 in Loch Creran, Scotland, regular water column and sediment samples were collected, examined, and species composition of the phytoplankton determined. Thalassiosira species were found to be a major bloom constituent. Species were identified from specimens cultured from sediments and isolated from vertical net hauls, using light and scanning electron microscopy. Of the 17 species positively determined, only Thalassiosira angulata, T. anguste-lineata, T. eccentrica, 7". gravida, T. minima, T. nordenskioe]dii, T. rotu]a and 72 tenera have been previously reported in Scottish waters. Other species, for example Tha]assiosira pseudonana and T. punctigera, have been noted elsewhere in the British Isles but not along the Scottish west coast. Several species, namely Thalassiosira concaviuscula, 7. constricta, T. delicatula, T. kuschirensis, T. oceanica, T. pacifica and T. tealata, are new records for the British Isles. One unidentified taxon is illustrated. Descriptions, illustrations and a key are provided for the 18 taxa.

The present study examined ethnic differences in actual-ideal body weight discrepancy and its correlates among a sample of Malaysian adult women. A total of 459 Malays, 307 Chinese and 150 Indians from Kuala Lumpur completed measures of their actual-ideal body weight discrepancy, sociocultural messages about appearance, self-reported body mass index (BMI) and demographics. Results showed that Chinese women had smaller actual-ideal body weight discrepancy scores than both Malay and Indian women, although the effect size of this difference was small (ηp 2=.01). There were also significant ethnic differences in the internalisation of media messages about appearance, although effect sizes were likewise small. Further analyses revealed that sociocultural messages about appearance and self-reported BMI explained between 28 and 47 of the variance in actual-ideal body weight discrepancy for the three ethnic groups, respectively. These results are discussed in relation to the extant literature on body image in the Malaysian context. © 2013 © 2013 Taylor & Francis

The present study examines the suggestion that associations between dance participation and body image are influenced by dance type and level. A total of 82 female dancers varying in dance type (ballet vs. contemporary dancers) and level (beginner vs. advanced) completed measures of body appreciation, actualideal body weight discrepancy, body awareness, body responsiveness, dancer identity, length of time as a regular dancer, and provided their demographic details including age and body mass index. Analyses of variance showed that beginner ballet dancers had significantly higher body appreciation compared with advanced ballet dancers, whereas advanced contemporary dancers had significantly higher body appreciation compared with their beginner counterparts. Additionally, advanced ballet and contemporary dancers both had significantly higher body weight discrepancy compared with their beginner counterparts. Multiple regressions showed that body awareness, body responsiveness, dancer identity, and time as a dancer did not significantly predict body image once dance type and level had been accounted for. These results are discussed in relation to the promotion of positive body image using dance/movement therapy.

Findings in recent studies indicate that, contrary to popular fashion advice, horizontal lines do not give the impression of larger body size (Thompson, 2008; Thompson & Mikellidou, 2009, 2011). However, in these studies stimuli were presented concurrently with vertical and horizontal lines, and it is unclear whether the same effect is found in the absence of such perceptual anchors. In this study, 120 naive participants interacted with a female confederate wearing a dress with vertical stripes, horizontal stripes, or no stripes. Following this, they were asked to rate the confederate's body size. Results showed that the confederate was rated as having a significantly larger body size when she was dressed in horizontal stripes than when she was wearing either vertical stripes or no stripes. There was no significant difference in body size perceptions when she was wearing vertical stripes or no stripes. The practical implications of these results are discussed.

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