Psychometric evaluation of the eating disorder examination and eating disorder examination-questionnaire: a systematic review of the literature

Int J Eat Disord. 2012 Apr;45(3):428-38. doi: 10.1002/eat.20931. Epub 2011 Jul 8.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to systematically review the reliability of scores on the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) and the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) and to examine the validity of their use as measures of eating disorder symptoms.

Method: Articles describing the psychometric properties of the EDE and EDE-Q were identified in a systematic search of major computer databases and a review of reference lists. Articles were selected based on a priori inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results: Fifteen studies were identified that examined the psychometrics of the EDE, whereas 10 studies were found that examined the psychometrics of the EDE-Q.

Discussion: Both instruments demonstrated reliability of scores. There is evidence that scores on the EDE and EDE-Q correlate with scores on measures of similar constructs and support for using the instruments to distinguish between cases and non-cases. Additional research is needed to broaden the generalizability of the findings.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Physical Examination
  • Psychometrics
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Surveys and Questionnaires