Body-Cathexis and Self-Cathexis Scale – BC-SC
Measures an individual's degree of satisfaction or dissatisfaction with their physical body and aspects of their self-concept.
Scale Development & Technical Details
Scale Overview
The Body-Cathexis and Self-Cathexis Scale – BC-SC was developed by Secord, P. F., & Jourard, S. M. (1953). It is designed to measure Body image and self-concept satisfaction. The scale is intended for use with Adults.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 74 items organized into 2 factors/subscales: Body-Cathexis, Self-Cathexis.
| Factor / Subscale | Items | N |
|---|---|---|
| Body-Cathexis | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45 | 45 |
| Self-Cathexis | 46,47,48,49,50,51,52,53,54,55,56,57,58,59,60,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,69,70,71,72,73,74 | 29 |
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a custom response format.
Response anchors: 1 = Have strong feelings and wish change could somehow be made, 2 = Don't like, but can put up with, 3 = Have no particular feelings one way or the other, 4 = Am satisfied, 5 = Consider myself fortunate.
Scoring
Item scores are averaged to produce a mean score.
Total scores range from 1 to 5. Interpretation guidelines:
- Low Satisfaction / Dissatisfaction: 1 – 2
- Neutral / Moderate Satisfaction: 2 – 3
- High Satisfaction: 3 – 5
Administration
The scale is self-administered and typically takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. It can be administered individually or in group settings. No special training is required for administration.