The purpose of this study was to examine the basic psychometric proprieties of the Dutch Eating Behavior 35 Questionnaire (DEBQ) and its measurement invariance across sex, BMI-status (normal weight/over- 36 weight), and age in a community sample of 990 Italian adults. The analysis of the dimensionality of 37 the DEBQ using exploratory factor analysis revealed the existence of three major factors – emotional, 38 restrained and external eating. Single and multi-group confirmatory factor analyses replicated the 39 three-factor structure, and this dimensional structure proved to be invariant across sex, BMI-status, 40 and age. Findings upheld the criterion-related validity (e.g., via its associations with Eating Attitudes 41 Test-26). The DEBQ’s subscales displayed high internal consistency and test–retest reliability over a 4- 42 week period. Statistically significant differences were found when sex, BMI and age groups are compared 43 in the latent means of emotional, external and restrained eating and they are discussed with reference to 44 theory, past and recent empirical findings. Overall, results support the measurement invariance of the 45 DEBQ and suggest that the Italian version is a psychometrically reliable, valid and useful measurement 46 instrument for assessing adult eating behaviors.
Italian version of the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire. Psychometric proprieties and measurement invariance across sex, BMI-status and age
DAKANALIS, ANTONIOS;ZANETTI, MARIA ASSUNTA;
2013-01-01
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the basic psychometric proprieties of the Dutch Eating Behavior 35 Questionnaire (DEBQ) and its measurement invariance across sex, BMI-status (normal weight/over- 36 weight), and age in a community sample of 990 Italian adults. The analysis of the dimensionality of 37 the DEBQ using exploratory factor analysis revealed the existence of three major factors – emotional, 38 restrained and external eating. Single and multi-group confirmatory factor analyses replicated the 39 three-factor structure, and this dimensional structure proved to be invariant across sex, BMI-status, 40 and age. Findings upheld the criterion-related validity (e.g., via its associations with Eating Attitudes 41 Test-26). The DEBQ’s subscales displayed high internal consistency and test–retest reliability over a 4- 42 week period. Statistically significant differences were found when sex, BMI and age groups are compared 43 in the latent means of emotional, external and restrained eating and they are discussed with reference to 44 theory, past and recent empirical findings. Overall, results support the measurement invariance of the 45 DEBQ and suggest that the Italian version is a psychometrically reliable, valid and useful measurement 46 instrument for assessing adult eating behaviors.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
