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Rossi AA, Mannarini S, Semonella M, Castelnuovo G, Pietrabissa G. The Association between Grazing and Food Addiction: The Italian Version of the Repetitive Eating Questionnaire (Rep(Eat)-Q) and Its Relationships with Food Addiction Criteria. Nutrients 2024; 16:949. [PMID: 38612983 PMCID: PMC11013059 DOI: 10.3390/nu16070949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among the dysfunctional eating behaviors associated with excessive food intake, a construct that is gaining increasing attention is grazing-the constant, continuous, compulsive, and repetitive consumption of small/moderate amounts of food. Furthermore, in some cases, grazing seems to indicate a dependence on food and/or eating. Currently, the Repetitive Eating Questionnaire (Rep(Eat)-Q) appears to be the only questionnaire that comprehensively measures grazing, including its repetitive and compulsive eating component. Therefore, in a sample of individuals with severe obesity, the objective of this study was twofold: (A) to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Rep(Eat)-Q, and (B) to analyze the association between grazing and food addiction (FA). METHOD A cross-sectional research design was used. A total of 402 inpatients with severe obesity (BMI > 35) were recruited. Participants underwent a series of questionnaires to investigate structural validity and convergent validity and association with FA criteria. RESULTS The factorial structure of the Rep(Eat)-Q is robust and showed fit indexes: CFI = 0.973; RMSEA = 0.074; 90%CI [0.056-0.091]; and SRMR = 0.029. Also, it exhibited good internal consistency and convergent validity. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis highlights a specific association between certain FA criteria and grazing. CONCLUSIONS The Rep(Eat)-Q can be considered to be a concise, robust, reliable, and statistically sound tool to assess repetitive eating, specifically grazing. Its strong psychometric properties offer significant advantages for both research and clinical applications. Furthermore, in a sample of individuals with severe obesity, the results suggest that individuals with problematic grazing exhibit a typical behavioral profile of subjects with FA, indicating that FA can manifest through problematic grazing as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Alberto Rossi
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy;
- Interdepartmental Center for Family Research, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Stefania Mannarini
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy;
- Interdepartmental Center for Family Research, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Michelle Semonella
- Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel;
| | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, 20123 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (G.P.)
- Clinical Psychology Research Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20149 Milan, Italy
| | - Giada Pietrabissa
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, 20123 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (G.P.)
- Clinical Psychology Research Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20149 Milan, Italy
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Pietrabissa G, Castelnuovo G, Semonella M, Mannarini S, Rossi AA. Measuring Motivations to Eat Palatable Foods: Adaptation and Psychometric Properties of the Italian Version of the Palatable Eating Motives Scale (PEMS-IT). Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:574. [PMID: 38470685 PMCID: PMC10930930 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12050574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gaining knowledge of the various reasons behind people's consumption of highly processed foods has the potential to enhance obesity prevention initiatives and open avenues to tailor treatment approaches for obesity and binge eating at a more personalized level. This contribution aimed to test the psychometric properties and factor structure of the Palatable Eating Motives Scale (PEMS-IT) in a community sample of Italian adults. METHODS A confirmatory factor analysis was performed to test the factor structure of the Italian version of the PEMS (PEMS-IT) on a total of 616 respondents. Furthermore, the reliability and convergent validity analysis of the tool were evaluated. RESULTS The analysis confirmed the four-factor structure of PEMS-IT [(YBχ2 (164) = 537.901; p < 0.001, the CFI = 0.918, RMSEA = 0.072; 90%CI [0.065-0.078]; p(RMSEA < 0.05) < 0.001, and SRMR = 0.080] and satisfactory reliability on its subscales (Cronbach's α: 0.745-0.917). Positive correlations were also found with food addiction and binge-eating symptoms, compulsive eating behavior, and uncontrolled and emotional eating. CONCLUSIONS The PEMS-IT appears to be an instrument with promising psychometric properties and potential applications in clinical settings. However, it also has some limitations, and future studies could focus on improving the semantic content of the elements to increase the overall utility and precision of the instrument.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Pietrabissa
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, 20123 Milan, Italy;
- Clinical Psychology Research Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20149 Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, 20123 Milan, Italy;
- Clinical Psychology Research Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20149 Milan, Italy
| | - Michelle Semonella
- Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel;
| | - Stefania Mannarini
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (S.M.); (A.A.R.)
- Interdepartmental Center for Family Research, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Alberto Rossi
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (S.M.); (A.A.R.)
- Interdepartmental Center for Family Research, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
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Rossi AA, Pietrabissa G, Castelnuovo G, Mannarini S. Cognitive restraint, uncontrolled eating, and emotional eating. The Italian version of the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire-Revised 18 (TFEQ-R-18): a three-step validation study. Eat Weight Disord 2024; 29:16. [PMID: 38402372 PMCID: PMC10894126 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-024-01642-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Three Factor Eating Questionnaire-Revised 18 (TFEQ-R-18) is an extensively used questionnaire to measure three transdiagnostic features of eating behavior: cognitive restraint, uncontrolled eating, and emotional eating. OBJECTIVE This research aims to investigate the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the TFEQ-R-18 in three large community samples. METHOD Cross-sectional research designs were employed. In Study 1 (N = 537), an exploratory graph analysis (EGA) was used to examine item clustering within the TFEQ-R-18. In Study 2 (N = 645), a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to test its structural validity. In Study 3 (N = 346), a MANOVA was employed assessing mean differences across eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder). RESULTS In Study 1, the EGA accurately identified the three original dimensions of the TFEQ-R-18. Study 2 showed that the Italian TFEQ-R-18 has good fit indexes (CFI = 0.989, RMSEA = 0.064; 90% CI [0.058, 0.070], SRMR = 0.062), and possesses robust psychometric properties. Study 3 reveals distinct, statistically significant differences among eating disorders. CONCLUSION The TFEQ-R-18 proves to be a concise and precise tool for measuring transdiagnostic eating behaviors. Its applicability in the Italian context, supported by robust psychometric properties, suggests its utility for both research and clinical purposes. The findings affirm its potential to inform interventions aimed at enhancing psychological health. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V, descriptive study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Alberto Rossi
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
- Center for Intervention and Research on Family studies - CIRF, Department FISPPA, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
| | - Giada Pietrabissa
- Clinical Psychology Research Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Clinical Psychology Research Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Mannarini
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
- Center for Intervention and Research on Family studies - CIRF, Department FISPPA, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
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Pietrabissa G, Semonella M, Marchesi G, Mannarini S, Castelnuovo G, Andersson G, Rossi AA. Validation of the Italian Version of the Web Screening Questionnaire for Common Mental Disorders. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1170. [PMID: 38398481 PMCID: PMC10889998 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13041170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ever-increasing spread of Internet-based systems for common mental disorders has generated the need for brief online screening methods. This study aims to test the psychometric properties of the Web Screening Questionnaire (WSQ) to examine its suitability for screening for common mental health problems among a community sample of Italian adults. METHODS A total of 1282 subjects (F = 819; mean age = 42.05) answered the WSQ. Its discriminant characteristics were examined with other validated selected scales for measuring mental health widely used in the Italian population using sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC), as well as positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV). RESULTS Most of the WSQ subscales exhibited moderate to high specificity values. Specifically, the scales of 'agoraphobia' (0.947; 95%CI [0.934, 0.960]), 'anxiety' (0.959; 95%CI [0.946, 0.970]), and 'panic disorder' (0.973; 95%CI [0.964, 0.981]) showed the highest values whilst the 'obsessive-compulsive' dimension had the lowest value at 0.838, 95%CI [0.815, 0.861]. With exceptions observed for 'depression' (0.716; 95%CI [642, 798]) and 'alcohol abuse' (0.760; 95%CI [560, 920]), instead, the WSQ demonstrated critical sensitivity values (<0.6) in all dimensions. CONCLUSIONS The WSQ was appropriate for discriminating between people with and without a psychiatric condition, as it helps to confirm the absence of disorders. However, further diagnostic procedures are required, in case of a positive WSQ screening result.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Pietrabissa
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milano, Italy; (G.M.); (G.C.)
- Clinical Psychology Research Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20149 Milano, Italy
| | | | - Gloria Marchesi
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milano, Italy; (G.M.); (G.C.)
| | - Stefania Mannarini
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (S.M.); (A.A.R.)
- Center for Intervention and Research Studies on the Family, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milano, Italy; (G.M.); (G.C.)
- Clinical Psychology Research Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20149 Milano, Italy
| | - Gerhard Andersson
- Department of Behavioural Science and Learning, Linköping University, 58183 Linköping, Sweden;
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, 17177 Solna, Sweden
| | - Alessandro Alberto Rossi
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (S.M.); (A.A.R.)
- Center for Intervention and Research Studies on the Family, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
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Panzeri A, Castelnuovo G, Spoto A. Assessing Discriminant Validity through Structural Equation Modeling: The Case of Eating Compulsivity. Nutrients 2024; 16:550. [PMID: 38398874 PMCID: PMC10892802 DOI: 10.3390/nu16040550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Food addiction (FA) and disordered eating behaviors related to obesity are gaining attention in clinical and research fields. The modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (mYFAS2.0) is the gold standard questionnaire to measure FA, while another tool is the Measure of Eating Compulsivity 10 (MEC10). Discriminant validity is present when two measures of similar but distinct constructs show a correlation that is low enough for the factors to be regarded as distinct. However, the discriminant validity of these measures has never been tested. Through a cross-sectional study design, 717 inpatients (females: 56.20%, age: 53.681 ± 12.74) with severe obesity completed the MEC10, Binge Eating Scale (BES), and mYFAS2.0. A structural equation model (SEM) was fitted, freely estimating latent correlations with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The results confirmed the scales' excellent psychometric properties. Importantly, latent factor correlations between MEC10 and mYFAS2.0 (est = 0.783, 95% CI [0.76, 0.80]) supported their discriminant validity. In contrast, the latent correlation of MEC10 and BES (est = 0.86, 95% CI [0.84, 0.87]) exceeded the recommended thresholds, indicating the absence of discriminant validity and suggesting a potential overlap, consistent with previous evidence. In conclusion, MEC10 demonstrates excellent psychometric properties but is more a measure of BED and not FA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Panzeri
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Clinical Psychology Research Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, San Giuseppe Hospital, 28824 Verbania, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Spoto
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, 35131 Padova, Italy
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Reivan Ortiz GG, Campoverde X, Vinañzaca J, Estrada J, Yanza R, Granero R. Factors increasing the risk for food addiction in Ecuadorian students. Front Psychiatry 2024; 14:1214266. [PMID: 38234363 PMCID: PMC10792013 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1214266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Food addiction (FA) is a construct that has gained interest in recent years, but its relevance in the Ecuadorian population has not yet been explored. The aims of this study were to explore the differences in the psychological profile (including FA) between university students from Ecuador and to identify the underlying structure of the relationships of the FA severity level through a mediational model. Methods The sample consisted of 972 university students, women and men (mean age: 20.1 years old, SD = 2.6), recruited from four Ecuadorian regions. The assessment tools included a unidimensional scale of FA, eating-related measures, emotion regulation state, impulsivity, and psychopathology state. Path analysis modeled the direct and indirect effects explaining the FA severity level. Results The results indicated that higher psychopathological levels were associated with FA. Similarly, no differences in FA were observed between the Ecuadorian regions. The path analysis suggested that older age, female sex, and higher difficulties in emotional regulation, impulsivity, negative mood, and anxiety trigger disordered eating; subsequently, more impaired eating behavior impacted the FA level. Conclusion FA is a complex clinical entity that includes multiple components related to eating disorders (EDs) and other mental health problems. The results of this study provide empirical knowledge for designing evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geovanny Genaro Reivan Ortiz
- Laboratory of Basic Psychology, Behavioral Analysis, and Programmatic Development (PAD-LAB), Catholic University of Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | | | - Juan Vinañzaca
- Laboratory of Basic Psychology, Behavioral Analysis, and Programmatic Development (PAD-LAB), Catholic University of Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Johanna Estrada
- Laboratory of Basic Psychology, Behavioral Analysis, and Programmatic Development (PAD-LAB), Catholic University of Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Rafael Yanza
- Catholic University of Cuenca, Cuenca, Azuay, Ecuador
| | - Roser Granero
- Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Butt M, Ssentongo P, Rogers AM, Rigby A. Associations of Food Addiction Symptomatology and Disordered Eating Behaviors in a Pre-Surgical Bariatric Population. Nutrients 2023; 15:3474. [PMID: 37571411 PMCID: PMC10421096 DOI: 10.3390/nu15153474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The construct of food addiction (FA) has been highly debated in recent years particularly in the fields of disordered eating, medical weight management, and bariatric surgery. Some researchers have argued that FA symptoms are distinct, highly prevalent, and present a barrier for patients seeking medical treatment for obesity. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the cross-sectional associations between FA symptomatology, binge eating disorder (BED) and other appetitive traits, as well as dietary quality in a sample of adults with obesity seeking bariatric surgery. This post hoc analysis was conducted on a prospectively collected dataset from August 2020 to August 2022 at a single academic medical center. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample. Additional analyses included: correlation coefficients, multivariable linear regression, and analysis of variance. A total of 587 patients were included in this analysis with low average scores for FA symptoms (mean: 1.48; standard deviation (SD): 2.15). Those with no BED symptoms had the lowest average FA symptoms scores (mean: 0.87; SD: 1.52) and those with both bingeing and LOCE had the highest average scores (mean: 3.35; SD: 2.81). This finding supports the hypothesis that, while related, FA and BED may represent different cognitions and behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Butt
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (P.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Paddy Ssentongo
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (P.S.); (A.R.)
- Department of Medicine, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Ann M. Rogers
- Division of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
| | - Andrea Rigby
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (P.S.); (A.R.)
- Division of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
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Rossi AA, Pietrabissa G, Tagliagambe A, Scuderi A, Montecchiani L, Castelnuovo G, Mannarini S, Dalla Ragione L. Many Facets of Eating Disorders: Profiling Key Psychological Features of Anorexia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:bs13030276. [PMID: 36975300 PMCID: PMC10045239 DOI: 10.3390/bs13030276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective. The present study employs a profile analysis to identify and compare psychological features and core eating disorder (ED) symptoms in clinical samples of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and binge eating disorder (BED) and the general population (GP). Methods. A sample comprising 421 participants (142 patients with AN; 139 patients with BED; and 140 participants from the GP) was surveyed with the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3). Individuals with AN and BED were recruited and tested during their first week of a multidisciplinary inpatient program for weight loss and rehabilitation at the 'Rete DCA USL Umbria 1' (Eating Disorders Services), Italy. Results. The findings suggest distinct patterns of symptom presentation between the three samples across all the EDI-3 dimensions-with both the AN and BED groups scoring significantly higher than the GP. Patients with AN registered greater scores in all the psychological trait scales and the drive for thinness ED-specific dimension of the EDI-3 compared with their BED counterpart-which, instead, scored higher in the bulimia and body dissatisfaction subscales. These data support the transdiagnostic nature of the main risk factors for the onset and maintenance of EDs-which would vary in severity levels-and the existence of disease-specific pathways giving rise to AN and BED. Conclusion. This study for the first time compares patients with AN and BED with a non-clinical sample on main ED psychological features. This might inform classification approaches and could have important implications for the development of prevention and early intervention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Alberto Rossi
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center for Family Research, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Giada Pietrabissa
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, 20123 Milan, Italy
- Clinical Psychology Research Laboratory, Ospedale San Giuseppe, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 28824 Verbania, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, 20123 Milan, Italy
- Clinical Psychology Research Laboratory, Ospedale San Giuseppe, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 28824 Verbania, Italy
| | - Stefania Mannarini
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center for Family Research, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Laura Dalla Ragione
- Eating Disorders Services-USL N1 "Palazzo Francisci", 06059 Todi, Italy
- Food Science and Human Nutrition Unit, University Campus Biomedico of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
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Eating Compulsivity in Inpatients with Severe Obesity and the General Population: The Italian Version of the Measure of Eating Compulsivity (MEC10-IT). Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15061378. [PMID: 36986106 PMCID: PMC10052425 DOI: 10.3390/nu15061378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to validate and investigate the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Measure of Eating Compulsivity-10 (MEC10-IT) in a sample of inpatients with severe obesity (Study 1), and to test the measurement invariance of the measure across non-clinical and clinical samples (Study 2). In the first study, a confirmatory factorial analysis (CFA) was conducted among 452 patients in order to confirm the factorial structure of the MEC10-IT. In the second study, the psychometric properties of the MEC10-IT were tested on 453 inpatients with severe obesity and a community sample of 311 participants. The CFA confirmed the factorial structure of the MEC10-IT among an Italian sample of adult inpatients with severe obesity (Study 1). The MEC10-IT was also demonstrated to be invariant between the clinical and the community sample and to possess good psychometric properties, as well as excellent screening abilities for classifying individuals with problematic eating behaviors (Study 2). In conclusion, the MEC10-IT could be considered as a valid and reliable tool for the assessment of compulsive eating in both non-clinical and clinical samples and represents a psychometrically sound measure for clinical and research purposes.
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