Background: Obesity is the consequence of energy retention due to energy-dense food intake (E-intake behavior) and sedentary behavior (S-behavior).
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop and psychometrically test the Energy Retention Behavior Scale for Children (ERB-C scale).
Methods: The ERB-C scale was developed, consisting of an 11-item E-intake behavior subscale and a six-item S-behavior subscale. Confirmatory factor analysis and known-group validity were conducted on 371 children to examine the construct validity of this scale, and internal consistency and test-retest reliability were used to examine its reliability.
Results: Confirmatory factor analysis indicates that the ERB-C scale, including its subscales of E-intake behavior (10 items) and S-behavior (four items), fits the data well. The fit indices were as follows: χ = 268.22, df = 74, p < .001, normed fit index = .91, and nonnormed fit index = .92. The Cronbach's α and test-retest reliability of the ERB-C scale were .81 and .86, respectively. The mean ERB-C scale score for overweight/obese children was significantly higher than for underweight/normal-weight children (z = 3.81, p < .001).
Conclusions/implications for practice: The ERB-C scale showed satisfactory validity and reliability. This scale may help health professionals comprehensively assess the energy retention behavior of children.