Development and Validation of Disordered Eating Behavior Scale: Identification, Prevalence, and Difference with Clinically Diagnosed Eating Disorders

In the present study, Disordered Eating Behavior Scale was developed and validated. The items were empirically generated. Factorial validity of the scale was determined on 250 participants. Factor analysis resulted in four factors i.e., Social Pressure for Eating, Eating Choices and Habits, Eating Withdrawal, and Overeating, which yielded an overall satisfactory Cronbach alpha (.86). Convergent validity was estimated by correlating the scores of Eating Attitude Test-26 (Garner, Olmsted, Bohr, & Garfinkel, 1982) with Disordered Eating Behavior Scale (N = 100). The resulting correlation was significant and added to the validity of Disordered Eating Behavior Scale. Discriminant validity was assessed by correlating the scores of Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965) with Disordered Eating Behavior Scale (N = 140). The results showed significant inverse relationship between both measures. Concurrent validity was estimated by using method of contrasted groups and the results highlighted significant differences between the scores of control group and patients of eating disorders on Disordered Eating Behavior Scale. Since, disordered eating behavior fulfills all the psychometric requirements of scale, hence; it is a reliable and valid measure for assessing disordered eating behaviors in indigenous context.