Development and validation of an instrument for characterizing food-related behavior

An instrument for differentiating between individuals exhibiting conformist and nonconformist or nontraditional food consumption patterns was developed and used for recruitment and identification of respondents for a study of food-related behavior and attitudes. The instrument was designed so that use or nonuse of only one or two foods or food groups was not sufficient to establish the food consumption pattern. Content validity was established by an expert panel. Additional data collected during the study served to demonstrate that the instrument had predictive validity for identification of individuals who followed alternative food consumption patterns. Respondents were asked to indicate their preferred food practices; their designation was related to classification by the Food-Related Behavior Characterization Instrument. Patterns of food exclusion and of frequency of consumption of 35 foods and food groups were consistent with classifications as conformists or nonconformists. In addition to research applications, this instrument may be a valuable tool in clinical settings and for community assessment. Although it is not a substitute for a more detailed dietary history, rapid identification of nonconforming food-related behavior is possible with the Food-Related Behavior Characterization Instrument.