The factor structure of the Eating Attitudes Test with adolescent schoolgirls

Psychol Med. 1985 Feb;15(1):141-6. doi: 10.1017/s0033291700021000.

Abstract

The 40-item Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-40) was administered to teenage schoolgirls. Factor analysis (N = 749) yielded a major dieting factor almost identical to that found by Garner et al. (1982) with anorexics. Although this factor clearly measures pathology in underweight girls, its interpretation is ambiguous for normal and overweight girls. Two other factors found in all analyses were food preoccupation and social pressure to eat.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Factors
  • Anorexia Nervosa / diagnosis*
  • Anorexia Nervosa / psychology
  • Attitude*
  • Body Weight
  • Eating*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperphagia / diagnosis
  • Psychological Tests*
  • Psychometrics
  • Risk
  • Social Class
  • Socioeconomic Factors