Psychometric properties of the eating disorder examination-questionnaire: factor structure and internal consistency.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the factor structure and the internal consistency of the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q). METHOD The EDE-Q was administered to 203 women with bulimic symptoms, who were recruited from five Midwestern communities. RESULTS Acceptable levels of internal consistency were observed for the EDE-Q total score (alpha = .90) and subscales: Restraint (alpha = .70), Eating Concern (alpha = 0.73), Shape Concern (alpha = 0.83) and Weight Concern (alpha = 0.72). Exploratory factor loadings using Principal Axis Analysis supported the Eating Concern and Restraint subscales. Most of the Shape Concern and Weight Concern items loaded on one factor, with the exception of the items focusing on the importance of weight and shape in self-evaluation and preoccupation with shape and weight. CONCLUSION The results of this study provide support for the internal consistency of the EDE-Q and indicate a need for further examination of the factor structure of this instrument.