Cross-Validation Assessment Measuring Hair and Skin Tone Satisfaction Among Minority Groups

Hair and skin tone satisfaction are culturally and psychologically meaningful aspects of appearance for many racially and ethnically marginalized (REM) individuals; however, validated and reliable measures assessing REM appearance satisfaction have yet to be developed. The purpose of this study is to cross-validate a new measure, the Hair and Skin Tone Satisfaction Scale (HSTSS), among mixed gender REM individuals to determine its reliability and validity in assessing well-being and appearance satisfaction related to skin tone and hair. Via exploratory factor analysis (EFA), we found a three-factor structure, with the three subscales assessing (1) personal skin tone satisfaction, (2) personal hair satisfaction, and (3) social context of hair and skin tone satisfaction. We hypothesized that confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), in a separate mixed-gender REM sample, would support the three-factor structure of the HSTSS and would largely replicate the correlations that we have found previously. Participants (N = 329) completed the HSTSS and additional measures of body image, ethnic identity, and related measures and scales. CFA was conducted to evaluate model fit, and correlations were examined to assess construct validity. Results supported a revised two-factor model consisting of (1) General Satisfaction and (2) Contextual Influences. HSTSS scores showed the expected positive associations with body appreciation, racial/ethnic identification, and appearance evaluation, as well as smaller associations with measures that were not expected to be related. Findings provide support for the HSTSS as a culturally relevant measure of hair and skin tone satisfaction and highlight the importance of continued validation across diverse populations.