Evaluating the real-world predictive validity of the Body Image Quality of Life Inventory using Ecological Momentary Assessment

•Body image can affect many aspects of quality of life (QOL).•Body Image Quality of Life Inventory (BIQLI) is a retrospective measure of body QOL.•We evaluated the validity of the BIQLI using Ecological Momentary Assessment.•The BIQLI had good real-world predictive validity, as it reflects experiences in everyday life.•The BIQLI can be used to assess QOL in clinical and research settings.

Perceptions of physical appearance, or body image, can affect psychosocial functioning and quality of life (QOL). The present study evaluated the real-world predictive validity of the Body Image Quality of Life Inventory (BIQLI) using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA). College women reporting subclinical disordered eating/body dissatisfaction (N = 131) completed the BIQLI and related measures. For one week they then completed five daily EMA surveys of mood, social interactions, stress, and eating behaviors on palmtop computers. Results showed better body image QOL was associated with less negative affect, less overwhelming emotions, more positive affect, more pleasant social interactions, and higher self-efficacy for handling stress. Lower body image QOL was marginally related to less overeating and lower loss of control over eating in daily life. To our knowledge, this is the first study to support the real-world predictive validity of the BIQLI by identifying social, affective, and behavioral correlates in everyday life using EMA.