Measuring Image-Based Sexual Abuse (IBSA): Psychometric Validation and Analysis of the IBSA Scale

Image-based sexual abuse (IBSA) is a growing global issue with significant psychological impacts, yet few validated tools assess childhood experiences. This study provides information on a newly developed IBSA Scale designed to capture the accumulating burden of multiple distinct dimensions of IBSA. The study included 6226 U.S. participants aged 18–28, with an oversampling of IBSA experiences (prior to age of 18) and of sexual and gender minority individuals. Psychometric evaluation involved Exploratory Graph Analysis (EGA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were conducted to assess the scale’s structure. Convergent validity was tested using peer norms and online risky behaviors, and discriminant validity with social connectedness. EGA confirmed a cohesive structure and 100% stability of all items, confirmed by CFA (χ²(9) = 102.17, p <.01, CFI =.99, RMSEA =.041). Convergent validity was demonstrated by moderate correlations with peer norms (rmean =.41) and online risky behaviors (rmean =.24). Discriminant validity was confirmed with low correlations with social connectedness (rmean = −.06). Sociodemographic analysis revealed higher IBSA scores among females, sexual and gender minority individuals, and participants with lower-income (p <.001). The IBSA scale is a promising tool for measuring the cumulative burden of different IBSA experiences.