Development and Validation of an Eating-Related Eco-Concern Questionnaire

Abstract

Eco-concern, the distress experienced relating to climate change, is associated with mental health, yet no study has examined disordered eating related to eco-concern. This study developed and validated a 10-item scale assessing Eating-Related Eco-Concern (EREC). Participants (n = 224) completed the EREC, Climate Change Worry Scale (CCWS), and Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q). Construct validity, convergent validity, and internal consistency were evaluated. Sex differences in EREC were evaluated using t-tests. Associations among the EREC, CCWS, and EDE-Q were evaluated using linear regression models. Sensitivity analyses were conducted in individuals below EDE-Q global score clinical cut-offs. Factor analysis suggested that all items loaded adequately onto one factor. Pearson’s correlation and Bland–Altman analyses suggested strong correlation and acceptable agreement between the EREC and CCWS (r = 0.57), but weak correlation and low agreement with the EDE-Q global score (r = 0.14). The EREC had acceptable internal consistency (α = 0.88). No sex difference was observed in the EREC in the full sample; females had a significantly higher mean score than males in sensitivity analysis. The EREC was significantly positively associated with the CCWS and EDE-Q global and shape concern scores, but not in sensitivity analysis. The EREC is a brief, validated scale that can be useful to screen for eating-related eco-concern.

Validation of the Arabic-language version of the Eating-Related Eco Concern (EREC) scale

“…There is also a growing awareness of the especially among adolescents. While these methods may be bene cial to the environment, they could manifest as restrictive maladaptive behaviors when taken to the extreme [17]. This echoes patterns observed in conditions like orthorexia nervosa, which is characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with healthy eating and associated restrictive behaviors [18].…”

“…The authors caution that behaviors evaluated in the EREC scale could indicate a worrisome behavioral pattern if it was taken to a problematic level [17]. The EREC items loaded onto one factor, and the scale demonstrated its validity and a good internal consistency with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.88 [17].…”

“…This instrument is composed of 10 items, each rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Its development in the USA was based on clinical observation, on a previous measure (i.e., the Climate Change Worry Scale), as well as extensive literature review on sustainable eating habits [17]. The scale underwent testing among 257 adults, to measure the extent to which individuals consider the ecological considerations when making dietary choices [17].…”

“…Its development in the USA was based on clinical observation, on a previous measure (i.e., the Climate Change Worry Scale), as well as extensive literature review on sustainable eating habits [17]. The scale underwent testing among 257 adults, to measure the extent to which individuals consider the ecological considerations when making dietary choices [17]. Notably, the items in this instrument do not exclusively address disordered eating, but instead explores adjustments in eating habits and attitudes in relation to climate change.…”

Eco-Joy: Imagining Sustainable and Joyful Food Eco-label Futures

“…Ultimately, negative feelings prior and post proenvironmental behaviours, and the shift of responsibility onto the individual and away from system drivers including affordability and access causes disengagement with climate action altogether [41]. Interventions that only target factors such as knowledge, instead of attempting to overcome negative emotions are unlikely to cause significant changes in socially and culturally embedded high-impact eating habits [5,39].…”