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VALIDITY OF THE EATING ATTITUDE
TEST AMONG EXERCISERS
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Helen
J. Lane1, Andrew M. Lane 2
and Hilary Matheson3
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1University of Wales, Newport, UK
2University of Wolverhampton, UK
3University of Wales College, Newport, UK
| Received |
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25 June 2004 |
| Accepted |
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09
November 2004 |
| Published |
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01
Decemer 2004 |
©
Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2004) 3, 244-253
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| ABSTRACT |
| Theory
testing and construct measurement are inextricably linked. To date,
no published research has looked at the factorial validity of an existing
eating attitude inventory for use with exercisers. The Eating Attitude
Test (EAT) is a 26-item measure that yields a single index of disordered
eating attitudes. The original factor analysis showed three interrelated
factors: Dieting behavior (13-items), oral control (7-items), and
bulimia nervosa-food preoccupation (6-items). The primary purpose
of the study was to examine the factorial validity of the EAT among
a sample of exercisers. The second purpose was to investigate relationships
between eating attitudes scores and selected psychological constructs.
In stage one, 598 regular exercisers completed the EAT. Confirmatory
factor analysis (CFA) was used to test the single-factor, a three-factor
model, and a four-factor model, which distinguished bulimia from food
pre-occupation. CFA of the single-factor model (RCFI = 0.66, RMSEA
= 0.10), the three-factor-model (RCFI = 0.74; RMSEA = 0.09) showed
poor model fit. There was marginal fit for the 4-factor model (RCFI
= 0.91, RMSEA = 0.06). Results indicated five-items showed poor factor
loadings. After these 5-items were discarded, the three models were
re-analyzed. CFA results indicated that the single-factor model (RCFI
= 0.76, RMSEA = 0.10) and three-factor model (RCFI = 0.82, RMSEA =
0.08) showed poor fit. CFA results for the four-factor model showed
acceptable fit indices (RCFI = 0.98, RMSEA = 0.06). Stage two explored
relationships between EAT scores, mood, self-esteem, and motivational
indices toward exercise in terms of self-determination, enjoyment
and competence. Correlation results indicated that depressed mood
scores positively correlated with bulimia and dieting scores. Further,
dieting was inversely related with self-determination toward exercising.
Collectively, findings suggest that a 21-item four-factor model shows
promising validity coefficients among exercise participants, and that
future research is needed to investigate eating attitudes among samples
of exercisers.
KEY
WORDS: Eating attitudes, model testing, external validity, exercise
and health.
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