[Creation of a body satisfaction and global self-perception questionnaire: the QSCPGS. Norms and first validation]

Abstract

Introduction: A review of the literature finds that everything concerning the body is a source of self-questioning. However, if a feeling of comfort or of discomfort is perceived within the body, it is difficult to quantify and to define this perception. This is because this feeling is multifactorial and characterized by behaviors and symptoms that are not explicit.

Method: To resolve this perception, we created a self-reported questionnaire allowing for the estimation of "body satisfaction and global self-perception".

Results: We present here the normative values collected with 788 subjects: 541 "non clinical" subjects and 247 "clinical subjects" consisting of inpatients hospitalized for major depressive disorder. In the "non clinical" group, the results show a good stability of scores. However, the female participants of this group have values (39.1) significantly (p<0.03) lower than the male participants (44.8). The evolution according to age showed a peak in physical satisfaction and of global self-perception between the age of 30 and 50. The score of this QSCPGS is very significantly (p<0.0001) higher in the "non clinical" group (43) than in the "clinical group" (-2); this confirms the good validity of the criterion. Finally, the average gains in the total score of the QSCPGS after a relaxation session with 34 depressed subjects are 23.7 (-12.2 before and 11.5 after).

Discussion: This very significant advantage indicates that this questionnaire is sensitive to changes connected with a therapeutic intervention. The QSCPGS can thus be useful for the evaluation of body satisfaction or dissatisfaction as well as the mood associated with it; thus, it permits one to clarify the concept of well-being within "non clinical subjects" and to record the modifications provided by therapy, both at a physical level and a level of global self-perception. Future studies must now be submitted in different study groups such as: diverse pathologies, high level sportsmen, (etc.), this will allow us to gather information that will help establish specific therapies or effective preventative measures.