A reliability generalization meta‐analysis of self‐report measures of muscle dysmorphia

Abstract

This study is a reliability generalization meta‐analysis that reviews continuous measures used to assess muscle dysmorphia (MD): The Muscle Appearance Satisfaction Scale, Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory, four different versions of the Muscle Dysmorphia Inventory, Adonis Complex Questionnaire, and the Modified Dysmorphia Symptoms Questionnaire. A total of 15,156 individuals from 61 studies provided 73 reliability estimates (alpha coefficients and/or test–retest reliability coefficients) for this meta‐analysis. Random‐ and mixed‐effects models were applied in the statistical analyses. We present the average reliability estimates for each measure, moderator analysis of reliability estimates across a wide variety of study characteristics, and the reliability induction rate. In light of this, we make specific recommendations for researchers and health practitioners seeking to measure MD.