Abstract

This study aimed to develop a scale for evaluating disordered eating attitudes and behaviors among adolescents aged 14 to 18. The scale’s factor structure was examined with a total of 1379 participants, revealing 14 items and three sub-dimensions that accounted for 58.46% of the total variance. The scale demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = .86) and test-retest reliability (r = .90). Regarding criterion validity, the correlation between the Disordered Eating Scale (DES) and the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) was found to be .86. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis results indicated a sensitivity of .930 and a specificity of .91 for the ≥31 cut-off point. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted, and the model fit indexes for both applications were as follows: x2 = 287.43, df = 73, x2/df = 3.94, RMSEA = 0.079, CFI = 0.938, TLI = 0.922, and SRMR = 0.045. These findings supported the three-dimensional model, suggesting that disordered eating can be measured through restriction, weight anxiety, and extraction-control behaviors dimensions with a total of 14 items. The DES is deemed suitable for screening and evaluating negative eating behaviors and potential psychopathology in adolescents, including those with and without clinical eating disorder symptoms.

Full Text
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