Psychometric Properties of Measures of Eating Disorder Risk in Latina College Women

Objective: Latina college women are at risk for eating disorders (EDs), but assessment is problematic, because the psychometric properties of risk factor measures have not been evaluated with this group.

Method: Reliability and validity estimates of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, Body Esteem Scale, Sociocultural Attitudes Toward Appearance Questionnaire-3, and Body Shape Questionnaire were examined in a sample of 173 female Latina college students.

Results: Cronbach α coefficients (.75-.96) and intraclass coefficients (.65-.96) indicated good reliability. Most measures were significantly correlated, providing evidence for convergent validity. Confirmatory factor analyses resulted in good fit indices.

Discussion: These findings indicate that commonly used measures of ED risk have adequate reliability and validity in Latina college women. Comparison data suggest that ED risk may be similar or even higher in Latina college women relative to Caucasian college women. Prevention efforts with diverse groups are needed.