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The eating attitudes test: psychometric features and clinical correlates
Psychological Medicine
|November 1, 1982
Summary
The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) was shortened to the EAT-26, a reliable and valid measure for assessing anorexia nervosa symptoms. This new version effectively correlates with the original EAT-40 and related psychological factors.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Clinical Assessment
Background:
- The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) is a widely used tool for assessing disordered eating behaviors.
- A psychometric evaluation of the EAT was conducted on individuals with anorexia nervosa and a comparison group.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the psychometric and clinical correlates of the EAT in female anorexia nervosa patients.
- To propose and validate an abbreviated 26-item version of the EAT (EAT-26).
Main Methods:
- Factor analysis of the original 40-item EAT (EAT-40) to develop the EAT-26.
- Correlation analysis between EAT-26, EAT-40, and clinical variables.
- Comparison of EAT scores between bulimic and restrictor subtypes of anorexia nervosa.
Main Results:
- The EAT-26 demonstrated high correlation with the EAT-40 (r = 0.98).
- EAT-26 factors showed meaningful relationships with bulimia, weight, body image, and psychological symptoms.
- Significant differences were found on EAT-26 factors between bulimic and restrictor anorexia nervosa groups, but not on total scores.
Conclusions:
- The EAT-26 is a reliable, valid, and economical instrument for measuring anorexia nervosa symptoms.
- Normative data for the EAT-26 and EAT-40 are provided for clinical and research use.