Validation of the Spanish version of the Drive for Muscularity Scale (DMS) among males: Confirmatory factor analysis

• The Spanish Drive for Muscularity Scale is a valid and reliable instrument.
• A two dimensional factor structure for the instrument is proposed.
• Drive for Muscularity is associated with low self-esteem.
• Drive for Muscularity is associated with more emotional regulation difficulties.

Drive for Muscularity (DM) has been shown to be a relevant construct for measuring and understanding male body image. For this reason, it is important to have reliable and valid instruments with which to measure DM, and to date no such instruments exist in Spain. This study analyzes the psychometric and structural properties of the Drive for Muscularity Scale (DMS) in a sample of Spanish adolescent males (N = 212), with the aim of studying the structural validity of the scale by using a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), as well as analyzing the internal consistency and construct (convergent and discriminant) and concurrent validity of the instrument. After testing three models, results indicated that the best structure was a two-dimensional model, with the factors of muscularity-oriented body image (MBI) and muscularity behavior (MB). The scale showed good internal consistency (α = .90) and adequate construct validity. Furthermore, significant associations were found between DM and increased difficulties in emotional regulation (rho = .37) and low self-esteem (rho = −.19). Findings suggest that the two-factor structure may be used when assessing drive for muscularity among adolescent males in Spain.