Validation and reliability of the Turkish Binge Eating Disorder Scale: a community-based study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish adaptation of the Binge Eating Disorder Scale (BEDS). Binge eating behavior is a clinically significant condition closely associated with obesity, depression, and emotional dysregulation. Therefore, the adaptation of a psychometrically sound and reliable measurement tool into Turkish holds substantial importance for both clinical and research applications.

Reliability analyses were conducted with 411 adults (67.9% female; mean age = 33.96 ± 12.98 years), while validity analyses were performed with 100 adults. Data were collected through a questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics, the BEDS, the Binge Eating Scale (BES), and anthropometric measurements. To examine construct validity, exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were performed. For reliability analyses, internal consistency (Cronbach's α, McDonald's ω) and test-retest methods were utilized.

Factor analysis indicated that the scale consisted of a single factor and six items, with factor loadings ranging from 0.61 to 0.88. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated a good model fit to the data (χ²(13) = 12.420, p = 0.133; χ²/df = 1.553). Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the first and retest administrations were 0.92 and 0.91, respectively, while McDonald's ω coefficients were 0.92 and 0.92, indicating high internal consistency. A strong, positive, and statistically significant correlation was found between BEDS and BES scores (rho = 0.719, p < 0.001), supporting convergent validity. Test-retest reliability assessed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) demonstrated excellent agreement and temporal stability (ICC = 0.882, 95% CI: 0.825-0.921, p < 0.001).

The Turkish version of the BEDS demonstrated high internal consistency, robust construct validity, and strong overall reliability. The findings suggest that the scale is a valid and reliable tool for assessing binge eating behaviors among Turkish adults. Further studies conducted with diverse sociodemographic groups and clinical samples are recommended to strengthen the generalizability of the instrument.