Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties and scoring pattern of the Brazilian version of the three-factor eating questionnaire-r21 (TFEQ-R21).
Methods: Data were collected from 410 undergraduate students. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine the factor structure of the TFEQ-R21. Convergent and discriminant validity also was assessed. Cluster analysis was performed to investigate scoring patterns.
Results: In assessing the quality setting, the model was considered satisfactory (χ 2/gl = 2.24, CFI = 0.97, TLI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.05). The instrument was also considered appropriate in relation to the discriminant and convergent validity. There was a positive correlation between body mass index and the dimensions of cognitive restraint (r s = 0.449, p < 0.001) and emotional eating (r s = 0.112, p = 0.023). Using cluster analysis three respondent profiles were identified. The profile "A" was associated with appropriate weight, the "B" was characterized by high scores in cognitive restraint dimension, and the cluster "C" focused individuals who had higher scores on the uncontrolled eating and emotional eating dimensions.
Conclusions: The Brazilian version of TFEQ-R21 has adequate psychometric properties, and the identified response profiles offer a promising prospect for its use in clinical practice, in weight loss interventions.
Keywords: BMI; Eating behavior; Psychometrics; Three-factor eating questionnaire.