Construct validation of the Portuguese version of the Restraint Scale

Abstract

Aim: The main purpose of this study was to adapt the Restraint Scale (RS) to Portuguese and examine its psychometric properties, specifically its construct validity. Method: In this study, 238 normal-weight adults (82% women; Mean age = 36.6, SD = 15.0) participated in an online survey containing measures of Restraint Scale, Three Factor Eating Questionnaire, Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire, and Body Dissatisfaction and Drive for Thinness scales. Results: Exploratory factor analyses corroborated the two-factors structure found in previous studies, in particular when three items without clear factorial assignment and low correlation were excluded. A final two-factors version of the RS containing seven items presented a very good fit to the measurement model and good internal consistency. Confirmatory factor analysis of the 7-items RS in relation to a three-factor model of overeating, dieting and body dissatisfaction measures revealed that the RS was the only restraint measure loading in all three factors. Conclusion: This suggests that the 7-items Portuguese version of the RS has good psychometric properties and unique features that lend it appropriate to identify and study unsuccessful chronic dieters.

Establishment of a reliable change index for the GAD-7

“…Focus on appropriate mental health measurements is increasing as knowledge and services are expanding all over the world (e.g. instruments being translated and validated in multiple languages; Carvalho, Marques, Ferreira, & Lima, 2016;Dias, Silva, Maroco, & Campos, 2015).…”

Effects of dietary restraint on perceived healthfulness and purchase intention: the moderating effects of food type and product label

“…Herman and Mack, introduced the DR construct in 1975, identifying restrained eaters as individuals concerned with their weight and using “dieting behaviors” in efforts to sustain their “ideal weight” (Bublitz et al , 2010). Stunkard and Messick (1985), Williamson et al (2007) and Carvalho et al (2016) reference Hermans’ “restrained eating” concept as some individuals’ inclination to limit food consumption in efforts to control body weight. Lowe (1993, p. 101) commented on Herman and Mack (1975) research regarding “restrained eaters” consuming more “after drinking one or two milkshake preloads than they did after drinking no preload” while, “unrestrained eaters regulated their eating, consuming far less with than without a preload.” In addition, DR inclusion in this research is interesting because individual consumer perceptions are investigated given whole versus processed food labels and understanding how varying DR levels impact consumer perception.…”