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A scenario-based dieting self-efficacy scale: the DIET-SE
Christine Stich1, Bärbel Knäuper, Ami Tint
1McGill University, Department of Psychology, Montreal, Canada. christine.stich@mcgill.ca
Assessment
|August 16, 2008
Summary
The new DIET-SE scale effectively measures dieting self-efficacy across various temptation scenarios. This reliable tool helps assess challenges like high-caloric food temptations (HCF) and emotional eating.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Dieting and Weight Management
Background:
- Dieting self-efficacy is crucial for weight management success.
- Existing measures may not adequately capture situational temptations.
- A validated scale is needed to assess specific dieting challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate the Dieting Self-Efficacy (DIET-SE) scale.
- To assess the psychometric properties of a scenario-based measure.
- To identify key factors influencing adherence to dietary plans.
Main Methods:
- Development of the DIET-SE scale based on the Dieting Self-Efficacy (DIET) inventory.
- Psychometric evaluation using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (N=516).
- Assessment of convergent, criterion-related, and predictive validity with related measures and behavioral outcomes.
Main Results:
- The 11-item DIET-SE scale demonstrated good internal consistency and reliability.
- Factor analysis identified three factors: high-caloric food temptations (HCF), social and internal factors (SIF), and negative emotional events (NEE).
- The DIET-SE showed strong validity, correlating with other self-efficacy measures and predicting actual food intake.
Conclusions:
- The DIET-SE is a short, reliable, and valid instrument for measuring scenario-based dieting self-efficacy.
- The scale can identify specific challenges dieters face, aiding in tailored interventions.
- DIET-SE provides a valuable tool for researchers and clinicians in weight management.
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