Validação e confiabilidade de uma escala de silhuetas tridimensionais para o cego congênito

Abstract

Body Image is multifaceted and dynamic construct. It is the mental representation of body identity, in a permanent process of construction and reconstruction throughout an individual’s existence. When assessing Body Image, the researcher considers either perceptive aspects (reception and integration of sensorial information: visual, tactile and kinesthetic) and/or attitudinal aspects (beliefs, affections, behaviors and body dissatisfaction). Body dissatisfaction may be understood as an inconvenience felt by a person regarding what his/her body looks like or a disgust with his/her perception or judgment of his/her own body. Stunkard's Figure Rating Scale has been widely used to assess body satisfaction of those who can see. However, there are no valid or reliable alternatives in Brazil to assess the blind’s body dissatisfaction. The aim of this study was to adapt and develop Silhouette Scales to assess body dissatisfaction of the congenital blind in Brazil and to and to verify the psychometric qualities of the scale developed. This dissertation is presented as four articles: the first article, entitled “Adaptation of Bidimensional and Tridimensional Silhouette Scales (BSS and TSS) for the visually impaired”, regards the description of the elaboration process of two silhouette scales. The second one, entitled “Exploratory Analysis of Bidimensional and Tridimensional Silhouette Scales Adapted for the Visually Impaired“, approaches the significance of BSS and TSS. The third one, entitled “Bidimensional Silhouette Scale: an investigation on its applicability for congenital blind subjects”, analyzes the applicability of BSS. The forth one, entitled “Initial Evidence of Validation and Reliability of a Tridimensional Silhouette Scale for the Congenital Blind”, verifies the psychometric qualities of TSS. Stunkard’s Figure Rating Scale was used in this study as a parameter for the adaptation of BSS and the elaboration of TSS. BSS was developed in a graphic tactile bidimensional language. It was not found to be representative or suitable for the blind. The TSS was handcrafted in cast. It was shown to be representative and presented evidence of content and convergent validity as well as reliability. Hopefully, this study will contribute and foment further discussion on the assessment of Body Image for the visually impaired.