Confirmatory factor analysis for the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire: Evidence supporting a three-factor model

• Published in: Eating behaviors : an international journal 2012-12, Vol.13 (4), p.379-381
• Main Authors: Barnes, Jennifer, Prescott, Tim, Muncer, Steven
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; adults; Biological and medical sciences; Confirmatory factor analysis; Cross-Sectional Studies; Eating disorder; Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire; eating disorders; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Feeding and Eating Disorders - diagnosis; Female; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Models, Statistical; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychometric properties; Psychometrics; Psychometrics. Diagnostic aid systems; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; questionnaires; Reproducibility of Results; Students; Surveys and Questionnaires; Techniques and methods; Universities
• ISSN: 1471-0153; 1873-7358
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2012.05.001

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the goodness-of-fit of a one factor model with the four factor model proposed by Fairburn (2008) and the three factor model proposed by Peterson and colleagues (2007) for the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q 6.0) (Fairburn and Beglin, 1994). Using a cross-sectional design, the EDE-Q was completed by 569 adults recruited from universities and eating disorder charities in the UK. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was carried out for both the student and non-student groups. CFA indicated that Peterson et al.'s (2007) three factor model was the best fit for both groups within the current data sample. Acceptable levels of internal reliability were observed and there was clear evidence for a hierarchical factor of eating disorder. The results of this study provide support for the three factor model of the EDE-Q suggested by Peterson and colleagues (2007) in that this model was appropriate for both the student and non-student sample populations. ► The factor structure of the EDE-Q is investigated in clinical and community samples. ► 569 Adults were recruited from universities and eating disorder charities in the UK. ► There is clear evidence for a hierarchical factor of eating disorder. ► Acceptable levels of internal reliability were observed for the EDE-Q. ► We provide support for a three factor model of the EDE-Q.