Development and validation of the Exteroceptive Body Awareness (EBA) questionnaire

Abstract

The conscious processing of body signals influences higher-order psychological and cognitive processes, including self-awareness and body image. Dysfunctions in the processing of these signals has been connected to neurological and psychiatric disorders characterized by altered states of self-consciousness. Studies indicate that the process of perceiving the body through interoceptive signals (e.g., from internal organs such as heartbeat and breathing) is distinct from the one that relies on exteroceptive signals (e.g., from outside the body such as vision, touch, and smell). Questionnaires are available for assessing interoceptive but not Exteroceptive Body Awareness (EBA). To fill this gap, we performed three studies to develop and validate a novel scale designed to assess bodily self-consciousness based on the processing of exteroceptive bodily signals. Exploratory factor analysis (N=302) led to an 18-item questionnaire comprised of four factors. Confirmatory factor analysis (N=184) run on a second sample showed an acceptable fit for a bifactor model. Overall EBA showed good internal consistency. Convergent and divergent validity were assessed via cross-validation with existing body awareness questionnaires (N=366) and behavioural measures (N=64) of exteroceptive and interoceptive body awareness. Research applications are discussed within a multi-faceted model of exteroceptive and interoceptive awareness as distinct, but at the same time interconnected, dimensions of bodily self-consciousness.