An Abbreviated Version of the Mindful Eating Questionnaire

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess the psychometric properties of the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ). MethodsA total of 15 mindfulness experts evaluated the content of the 28 items and 5 factors of the MEQ. A sample of 1,067 Italian adults (61.4% women) completed the MEQ and other measures; 62 participants completed a 4-week test-retest. ResultsContent analysis reduced the MEQ to 20 items. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a 2-factor model based on awareness and recognition of hunger and satiety cues. Factors showed adequate internal consistency (α = .75 and .83, respectively) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.73 and 0.85, respectively), and were associated in expected ways, although with small to moderate effect sizes, with general mindfulness, meditation experience, yoga practice, not being on a diet plan, and body mass index categories. Conclusions and ImplicationsFindings provided evidence of validity and reliability for the 20-item MEQ and support its use by clinicians and researchers for addressing eating-related issues.