The EAT and EDI: Screening, interrelationships, and psychometrics

Abstract

This study examined the Screening utility, scale interrelationships, and psycometric properties of the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) and the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI). 12% and 8% of female college freshman (N =268) were identified as weight preccupied according to the EAT and EDI, respectively. Cross-classification analyses indicated 90% agreement between the total EAT score and the EDI Drive for Thinness subscale. Both instruments demonstrated acceptable levels of internal consistency and scale intercorrelations. The principal component analysis provided moderate support for the factorial integrity, and thus scoring, of the EDI. The screening potential and multidimensional nature of the EDI are discussed.