A BWAT score is the total sum of points awarded on a 15-item assessment, with two items not being scored. This assessment, known as the Body Weight and Shape Test (BWAT), measures an individual's perception and attitudes towards their own body.
Understanding the BWAT
The BWAT assessment contains 15 items, each focusing on different aspects of body image. However, only 13 of these items contribute to the final BWAT score. The two unscored items relate to location and shape. Each of the 13 scored items is rated on a scale from 1 to 5.
- Scoring: A score of 1 indicates the healthiest perception or attitude towards the specific attribute being assessed. A score of 5 indicates the unhealthiest perception.
Components of the BWAT Score
The BWAT uses a scale of 1 to 5 to assess the following:
| Score | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 1 | Healthiest Attribute |
| 5 | Unhealthiest Attribute |
The reference states that the total BWAT score is calculated by summing the scores of the 13 items. The higher the total BWAT score, the more negative or unhealthy a person's body image perceptions are. This scoring system allows for a quantitative measure of body image dissatisfaction.
Practical Insight
- Individual Assessment: The BWAT score helps identify areas where an individual might have negative body image perceptions.
- Tracking Change: It can be used to track changes in body image over time, especially during therapeutic interventions.
- Understanding Attitudes: By rating specific items, it helps understand which aspects of body image are causing the most distress or concern.
In summary, the BWAT score provides a quantified assessment of an individual's body image perceptions and attitudes, with higher scores indicating more negative or unhealthy feelings.
