Psychometric Evaluation of the Relapse Situation Efficacy Questionnaire in a Weight Loss Treatment Study

Objectives We assessed the psychometric properties of the Relapse Situation Efficacy Questionnaire - Weight (RSEQ-W) including internal consistency reliability, criterion-related validity (concurrent and predictive validity) and construct validity (convergent validity and factor analysis). Methods We administered the RSEQ-W at baseline, and at 6 and 12 months in a 12-month prospective behavioral weight loss study. Spearman correlations were used to examine the convergent and concurrent validity; multivariate linear regression was used to assess the predictive validity; exploratory factor analysis was conducted using principal component analysis. Results The sample (N = 148) was 90.5% women and 81.1% white with a mean body mass index of 34.1 ± 4.6 kg/m2. The RSEQ-W showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = .95) and convergent validity (r = .69). PCA results revealed that the 31 items can be factored into 6 components negative affect, positive affect, social occasions, low focus, activity andlack of energy. Conclusion These results provide preliminary support for the reliability and validity of the RSEQ-W. Future work needs to apply RSEQ-W in studies with larger and more diverse samples and also consider adding more items to the factor lack of energy.