Portuguese validation of the children's eating attitudes test

Authors

  • Maria Del Carmen Bento Teixeira University of Coimbra; Faculty of Medicine; University Clinic of Paediatrics
  • Ana Telma Fernandes Pereira University of Coimbra; Faculty of Medicine; Institute of Medical Psychology
  • Jorge Manuel Tavares Saraiva University of Coimbra; Faculty of Medicine; University Clinic of Paediatrics
  • Mariana Marques University of Coimbra; Faculty of Medicine; Institute of Medical Psychology
  • Maria João Soares University of Coimbra; Faculty of Medicine; Institute of Medical Psychology
  • Sandra Carvalho Bos University of Coimbra; Faculty of Medicine; Institute of Medical Psychology
  • José Valente University of Coimbra; Faculty of Medicine; Institute of Medical Psychology
  • Maria Helena Pinto De Azevedo University of Coimbra; Faculty of Medicine; Institute of Medical Psychology
  • António João Ferreira De Macedo University of Coimbra; Faculty of Medicine; Institute of Medical Psychology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832012000600002

Keywords:

ChEAT, adolescents, eating behaviours, body dissatisfaction

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) is the most widely used instrument for evaluating eating disorders in adults and adolescents in a variety of cultures and samples. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyse the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Children's Eating Attitudes Test (ChEAT). METHOD: Nine hundred and fifty-six Portuguese secondary students (565 girls and 391 boys) answered the ChEAT. The test-retest reliability was obtained with data from 206 participants from the total sample who re-answered the questionnaire after 4-6 weeks. Psychometric analyses were carried out for the total sample and separately for girls and boys. RESULTS: Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were satisfactory. Principal components factorial analysis yielded four factors in the total sample, accounting for 42.35% of the total variance. Factor structure was similar in the total sample and in both genders. Factors were labelled: F1 "Fear of Getting Fat", F2 "Restrictive and Purgative Behaviours", F3 "Food Preoccupation" and F4 "Social Pressure to Eat". The concurrent validity, explored using the Contour Drawing Figure Rating Scale (CDRS) was high. DISCUSSION: The Portuguese version of the ChEAT is a valid and useful instrument for the evaluation of abnormal eating attitudes and behaviours among Portuguese adolescents.

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Published

2012-01-01

Issue

Vol. 39 No. 6 (2012)

Section

Original Articles

License

Once accepted for publication, the manuscript becomes permanent property of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry. This copyright transfer subsumes exclusive and unlimited entitlement of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry to publish and distribute the full contents of articles in whichever publishing medium, including press and electronic media, in Brazil and abroad.

Manuscripts are accepted with the understanding that the Editor and the editorial staff have the right to make revisions aimed at greater conciseness, clarity, and conformity with Journal style, of course without changing its content.

How to Cite

Portuguese validation of the children’s eating attitudes test. (2012). Archives of Clinical Psychiatry, 39(6), 189-193. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832012000600002