Psychometric Properties of the German Version of the Self-Regulation of Eating Behavior Questionnaire.

Ileana Schmalbach,Elmar Brähler,Manfred Beutel,Bjarne Schmalbach,Katja Petrowski,Anja Hilbert,Markus Zenger

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.649867

Abstract

Background: The Self-Regulation of Eating Behavior Questionnaire (SREBQ) is an economical way of assessing an individual's self-regulatory abilities regarding eating behavior. Such scales are needed in the German population; therefore, the purpose of the present study was the translation and validation of a German version of the SREBQ.Method: First, we conducted a pilot study (Study 1; N = 371) after the translation procedure. Second, we assessed the final scale in a representative sample of the German population (Sample 2; N = 2,483) and its underlying factor structure. Further, we tested for measurement invariance and evaluated the SREBQ's associations with related scales to explore convergent and discriminant validity. Finally, we considered differences in SREBQ based on sociodemographic variables and provided derived reference scores (norm values).Results: Factor analysis revealed deficiencies in the original model. Thus, we shortened the scale based on statistical considerations and the adapted version showed improved fit in Confirmatory Factor Analysis and reliability. We also found evidence for partial strict invariance, which means the measure is equivalent for the tested groups of age and gender. Item and scale psychometric properties of the shortened version were satisfactory. In terms of diagnostic validity, it was shown that individuals with higher body mass index (kg/m2) have worse self-regulation of eating behavior than those with lower.Conclusion: In sum, the SREBQ evidenced good validity and reliability and is suitable for application in medical, psychological, and nutritional research.

Highlights

Obesity [body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2; Deutsche Adipositas Gesellschaft/German Obesity Society, 2014] is a serious health concern, that affects patient’s health at an individual level, but it has consequence at a societal dimension
We found evidence for partial strict invariance, which means the measure is equivalent for the tested groups of age and gender
In terms of diagnostic validity, it was shown that individuals with higher body mass index have worse self-regulation of eating behavior than those with lower

Summary

Introduction

Obesity [body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2; Deutsche Adipositas Gesellschaft/German Obesity Society, 2014] is a serious health concern, that affects patient’s health at an individual level (e.g., cardiovascular and metabolic diseases; Lewis et al, 2009; Swinburn et al, 2011), but it has consequence at a societal dimension (e.g., unemployment; economic burden for health care; Lehnert et al, 2015; Effertz et al, 2016; De Lorenzo et al, 2019) It is associated with depression and eating disorders [e.g., bingeeating disorder (BED); Hilbert, 2021]. Such scales are needed in the German population; the purpose of the present study was the translation and validation of a German version of the SREBQ

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Discussion

Conclusion