Assessing body and eating peer‐focused comparisons: the dieting peer competitiveness (DPC) scale

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: This paper describes the development and the psychometric properties of a new measure designed to assess dieting‐related competitiveness among adolescent girls. Method: Three samples of girls completed the DPC and several other scales. Data analyses examined scale content and structure, and reliability and validity of the DPC. Results: The Dieting Peer Competitiveness (DPC) scale has a coherent and easily interpretable 2‐factor structure. The measure has good reliability (internal consistency, test–retest, and split‐half) and validity (convergent, divergent, and discriminant). In addition, with increasing commitment to dieting, competitiveness scores significantly increased. Conclusions: The new 2‐Factor Dieting Peer Competitiveness (DPC) scale assesses the degree to which an individual compares her appearance, and what she eats (or avoids) with that of her friends. DPC scores are useful for distinguishing between serious and non‐serious dieters. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.