The scale development process is critical to building knowledge in human and social sciences. The present paper aimed (a) to provide a systematic review of the published literature regarding current practices of the scale development process, (b) to assess the main limitations reported by the authors in these processes, and (c) to provide a set of recommendations for best practices in future scale development research. Papers were selected in September 2015, with the search terms "scale development" and "limitations" from three databases: Scopus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science, with no time restriction. We evaluated 105 studies published between 1976 and 2015. The analysis considered the three basic steps in scale development: item generation, theoretical analysis, and psychometric analysis. The study identified ten main types of limitation in these practices reported in the literature: sample characteristic limitations, methodological limitations, psychometric limitations, qualitative research limitations, missing data, social desirability bias, item limitations, brevity of the scale, difficulty controlling all variables, and lack of manual instructions. Considering these results, various studies analyzed in this review clearly identified methodological weaknesses in the scale development process (e.g., smaller sample sizes in psychometric analysis), but only a few researchers recognized and recorded these limitations. We hope that a systematic knowledge of the difficulties usually reported in scale development will help future researchers to recognize their own limitations and especially to make the most appropriate choices among different conceptions and methodological strategies.

Objective: To analyse the scientific literature regarding the evaluation of body image in children through an integrative literature review.Data source: An intersection of the keywords “body image” AND “child” was conducted in Scopus, Medline and Virtual Health Library (BVS - Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde) databases. The electronic search was based on studies published from January 2013 to January 2016, in order to verify the most current investigations on the subject. Exclusion criteria were: articles in duplicate; no available summaries; not empirical; not assessing any component of body image; the sample did not consider the target age of this research (0 to 12 years old) and/or considered clinical populations; besides articles not fully available.Data synthesis: 7,681 references were identified, and, after the exclusion criteria were implemented, 33 studies were analysed. Results showed that the perceptual and attitudinal dimensions focusing on body dissatisfaction were explored, mainly evaluated by silhouette scales. Intervention programs were developed internationally to prevent negative body image in children. Conclusions: The studies included in this review evaluated specific aspects of body image in children, especially body perception and body dissatisfaction. The creation of specific tools for children to evaluate body image is recommended to promote the psychosocial well being of individuals throughout human development.

ResumoContexto: Evidências demonstram que a prevalência do comportamento alimentar inadequado (CAI) entre jovens tem aumentado nos últimos anos. Parece que a insatisfação corporal (IC), a prática excessiva de exercício físico, a composição corporal, o nível econômico (NE), além da etnia, podem ser fatores de risco para o CAI. Objetivo: Associar IC, grau de comprometimento psicológico ao exercício (GCPE), adiposidade corporal (AC), estado nutricional (EN AbstractBackground: Evidence shows that the prevalence of inappropriate eating behavior (CAI) among young people has increased in recent years. It seems that body dissatisfaction (IC), the practice of excessive exercise, body composition, the socioeconomic status (NE), and ethnicity may be risk factors for CAI. Objective: To associate IC, degree of psychological impairment to exercise (GCPE), adiposity (AC), nutritional status (EN), NE and ethnicity with CAI in adolescents. Methods: Participants 362 young people of both sexes aged between 10 and 19 years. We used the Eating Attitudes Test to assess the CAI. The Body Shape Exercise Questionnaire and Commitment Exercise Scale were used to measure IC and GCPE, respectively. We evaluated skinfold thickness is to classify the AC second sex. Weight and height were measured to calculate the index of mass (BMI) and classify the EN. The NE was evaluated by Brazil Economic Classification. Questionnaire was used that sought to assess ethnicity, age and sex. Results: The results showed association of CAI with IC, GCPE and NE in females (p < 0.05). Among boys, IC, AC and EN were associated with CAI (p < 0.05). Discussion: It was concluded that IC was the main predictor of risk for the CAI.

Zika virus presents risk of physical harm to pregnant women, but the fear of infection is also affecting women around the world. There is a gap in the research on Zika virus in the areas involving the impact on the psychosocial well-being of pregnant women. Therefore, this study is aimed at the investigation of the psychosocial adjustment of pregnant women to the risks of Zika virus infection during pregnancy. We investigated 14 pregnant women who were classified in three different groups: six in the first trimester, five in the second trimester and three in the third trimester, aged from 28 to 40 years (33.43 ± 3.76 years). Content analysis was used to interpret data. Our results show that the psychosocial adjustment of participants was significantly negative and included five aspects: (1) negative feelings, (2) changes in family planning, (3) adopting new customs (avoiding places of risk, use of specific clothes and use of repellent), (4) changed attitudes regarding body image and (5) feeling of external demand regarding prevention. The fear of Zika virus infection and all its associated risks have a negative biopsychosocial impact on the pregnant women in this study.

OBJECTIVE Describe the process of cross-cultural adaptation of the “Explanatory Model Interview Catalog – Stigma Scale” for people affected by leprosy in Brazil.METHODS After being authorized by the author of the scale to use it in the national context, we initiated the five steps process of cross-cultural adaptation: (1) translation, (2) synthesis meeting, (3) back-translation, (4) committee of experts and (5) pre-test. The internal consistency of the scale was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient.RESULTS The 15 items of the scale’s original version were translated into Brazilian Portuguese. The adapted scale showed evidence of a good understanding of its content, attested both by experts and members of the target population. Its internal consistency was 0.64.CONCLUSIONS The adapted instrument shows satisfactory internal consistency. It may be useful in future studies that intend to provide broad situational analysis that supports solid public health programs with a focus on effective stigma reduction. In a later study, the construct’s validity, criterion, and reproducibility will be evaluated.

A B S T R A C T ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare the inappropriate eating behaviors of adolescents as a function of habitual level of physical activity. MethodsParticipants were 462 youth of both genders aged 10 to 19 years. The Eating Attitudes Test-26 was used for inappropriate eating behaviors assessment. A short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used for classifying the habitual level of physical activity. ResultsNo statistically significant differences were found for the comparison of inappropriate eating behaviors in the multivariate covariance model either for females or males. Moreover, the level of physical activity had no significant influence on the inappropriate eating behaviors of these adolescents. ConclusionIn conclusion, inappropriate eating behaviors in both genders were similar regardless of the habitual level of physical activity.Indexing terms: Adolescent. Body dissatisfaction. Feeding behavior. Motor activity. R E S U M O ObjetivoO objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar os comportamentos alimentares inadequados em função do nível habitual de atividade física em adolescentes.

Investigations of self-acceptance are critical to understanding the development and maintenance of psychological health. However, valid and reliable instruments for measuring self-acceptance in persons with early blindness have yet to be developed. The current research describes three studies designed to develop and validate the Self-acceptance Scale for Persons with Early Blindness (SAS-EB). In Study 1, we developed the initial item pool. Thirty-three items were generated, based on data from specialized literature and from 2 focus groups. Items were organized in a three-factor structure, theoretically predicted for SAS-EB - (1) body acceptance, (2) self-protection from social stigmas, and (3) feeling and believing in one's capacities. In Study 2, information obtained from a panel of 9 experts and 22 persons with early blindness representing the target population was used to refine the initial item pool, generating a new pool of 27 items. In Study 3, 318 persons with early blindness (141 women and 177 men), between 18 and 60 years of age (M = 37.74 years, SD = 12.37) answered the new pool of 27 items. After the elimination of 9 items using confirmatory factor analysis, we confirmed the theoretical three-factor structure of the SAS-EB. Study 3 also provided support for the scale's internal consistency and construct validity. Finally, the psychometric properties of the SAS-EB, its utility, and its limitations are discussed along with considerations for future research.

RESUMOIntrodução: Nas últimas décadas, houve um aumento e uma diversifi cação das metodologias que buscaram avaliar a auto-imagem corporal. Para os profi ssionais da área de saúde é imprescindível o diagnóstico do distúrbio de imagem em seus alunos, atletas ou pacientes, para posterior encaminhamento destes a uma terapia. Este estudo visa identifi car, quantifi car e reunir os instrumentos de avaliação da imagem corporal que têm sido utilizados nas produções acadêmi-cas e científi cas, no Brasil, de 1992 até 2007, destacando os mais utilizados. Materiais e Métodos: Pesquisa bibliográfi ca realizada nas bases de dados da USP, Bireme, Google, onde estão bases, como Medline, Lilacs, SciELO, entre outras. Os descritores adotados foram: "imagem corporal", "protocolos de avaliação", "auto-imagem", "instrumentos de avaliação" e "body image". Resultados: Foram analisados 130 protocolos utilizados em 80 produções científi cas e acadêmicas. Os instrumentos foram reunidos em seis grupos: Questionários, 27,7%; Entrevistas, 25,4%; Desenhos, 15,4%; Variáveis Antropométricas, 15,4%; Escalas, 10%; e Silhuetas, 6,1%. Discussão: Percebeu-se uma busca dos estudiosos por uma metodologia não-limitada, que melhor se aplique ao seu grupo pesquisado, o que resultou num emaranhado de opções de instrumentos para avaliar a imagem corporal. PALAVRAS-CHAVEQuestionários, Entrevistas, Imagem Corporal. ANALYSIS OF THE BODY IMAGE ASSESSMENT TOOLS ABSTRACT Introduction:In the last few decades, there has been an increase as well as a diversification of the methodologies which seek to assess self body image. For the health professionals, it is of foremost importance to diagnose the image disorder in his/her students as well as in athletes or patients, for further referring them to therapy. This objective study to Identify, quantify and collect the body image assessment tools which have been used in academic and scientific studies in Brazil, of 1992 until 2007, highlighting the most widely used. Materials and Methods: Review of the literature performed based upon data from USP, Bireme, Google, databases, where one can find data from Medline, Lilacs, and SciELO, among others. The descriptors were: "body image", "assessment protocols", "self image" and "assessment tools". Results: 130 protocols were used in 80 scientific and academic studies. The tools were gathered in six groups: Questionnaires, 27.7%; Interviews, 25.4%; Drawings, 15.4%; Anthropometric Variables, 15.4%; Scales, 10%; and Silhouettes, 6.1%. Discussion: It was evident that the scholars restlessly searched for a non limited methodology which could be better suited for the group of people being studied. As a result, a wide variety of optional tools to assess body image were found.