Eating Disorders Screening Tools: The Psychometric Properties of the Persian version of Eating Attitude Test

Esmaeil Mousavi Asl; Behzad Mahaki; Yousef Asmari Bardezard; Youkhabeh Mohammadian

doi:10.4103/ijpvm.IJPVM_355_19

Eating Disorders Screening Tools: The Psychometric Properties of the Persian version of Eating Attitude Test

Int J Prev Med. 2021 Sep 29:12:122. doi: 10.4103/ijpvm.IJPVM_355_19. eCollection 2021.

Authors

Esmaeil Mousavi Asl¹, Behzad Mahaki², Yousef Asmari Bardezard³, Youkhabeh Mohammadian⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychiatry, Golestan Hospital, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
² Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
³ Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
⁴ Department of Clinical Psychology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.

Abstract

Background: Screening for eating disorders via reliable instruments is of high importance for clinical and preventive purposes. Examining the psychometric properties of tools in societies with differing dynamics can help with their external validity. This research specifically aimed at standardization and validation of the eating attitude test (EAT-16) in Iran.

Methods: The Persian version of the EAT-16 was produced through forward translation, reconciliation, and back translation. The current research design was descriptive cross-sectional (factor analysis). A total of 302 nonclinical students were selected through the convenience sampling method and completed a set of questionnaires. The questionnaires included, the EAT-16, eating beliefs questionnaire-18 (EBQ-18), difficulties in emotion regulation scale-16 (DERS-16), weight efficacy lifestyle questionnaire-short form, self-esteem scale, and self-compassion scale short-form. The construct validity of the EAT-16 was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis and divergent and convergent validity. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability (2 weeks' interval) were used to evaluate the reliability. Data analysis was conducted using LISREL (version 8.8) and SSPS (version 22) software.

Results: EAT-16 and subscales were found to be valid and reliable, with good internal consistency and good, test-retest reliability in a non-clinical sample. In terms of convergent validity, EAT-16 and subscales showed a positive correlation with the selfreport measures of EBQ-18 and DERS-16. EAT-16 and subscales showed a negative correlation with self-compassion, self-esteem and eating self-efficacy., Therefore, it demonstrated divergent validity with these constructs. The results of this study support the EAT-16 four-factor model.

Conclusions: The EAT-16 showed good validity and reliability and could be useful in assessing eating disorders in Iranian populations. The EAT-16 is an efficient instrument that is suitable for screening purposes in the nonclinical samples.

Keywords: Eating; factor analysis; psychological tests; psychometrics.