Confirmatory factor analysis of a multidimensional model of bulimia nervosa

In a recent investigation of the psychopathology of bulimia nervosa by Tobin, Johnson, Steinberg, Staats, and Dennis (1991), a multidimensional model for bulimia nervosa was presented, based on the results of an exploratory factor analysis. In the present investigation, these results and the multidimensional model were tested by means of confirmatory factor analysis with 100 women diagnosed as having bulimia nervosa. The results not only support the multidimensional model with the higher order dimensions Affective and Personality Disorder, Bulimic Behaviors, and Restricting Behaviors, but also demonstrate the importance of body dissatisfaction as a significant, and possibly independent, component of bulimia nervosa.