Empirical Investigation of Different Factor Structures for the Eating Disorder Examination–Questionnaire in Adult Women With Anorexia Nervosa

Abstract

The Eating Disorder Examination–Questionnaire (EDE-Q) is a widely used self-report measure of eating pathology. Despite widespread use, investigations of its factor structure have proved inconclusive and rarely supported the “original” interpretation. The current study evaluates several proposed factor solutions of the EDE-Q using latent variable analysis in a sample of adult women with anorexia nervosa (AN). A total of 804 patients from a specialist treatment center in the United States participated in the study. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted on 22 EDE-Q items assessing attitudinal features of eating pathology. Findings suggested that three full-item versions (none of which was the “original” interpretation) fit the data adequately, with a brief, seven-item version showing excellent fit. The study is one of the first to examine this within a sample of women with AN and provides an empirical foundation for how best to use the EDE-Q among clinical and research participants with AN. Findings suggest that the “original” factor structure lacks structural validity in women with AN. Its use should generally be discouraged, and future work on screening and treatment outcomes might consider the EDE-Q7.

An examination of adults with atypical anorexia nervosa at admission to treatment at higher levels of care: An attempt to increase diagnostic clarity

“…, our study did not find an association between cognitive aspects of AN and depressive symptoms. Although the EDE-Q's Weight and Shape Concern subscales have been found in previous research to be distinct from its Eating Concern and Restraint subscales (e.g.,Jenkins et al, 2023), results on the significant cognitive aspects of AN as associated with the Eating Concern and Restraint subscales are likely inflated T A B L E 2 Outcomes by predictor status.…”