Pilot validation study of the Eating Issues and Body Image Continuum

Abstract

The Eating Issues and Body Image Continuum is a tool used for presentations on and self assessment of eating and body issues. This pilot study was undertaken to test the Continuum's criterion and content validity. Female college students, 25 with diagnosed eating issues, and 25 without, self-assessed their eating/body issue levels with the Continuum. The EDI-2 was the criterion measurement. A Pearson's correlation of 0.73, and a distinct separation in self-assessment results between the two groups identified the efficacy of the Continuum. The validity of the Continuum statements were assessed by female college students (n = 100), and Mental/Nutritional health Professionals (n = 20). Two-thirds of the statements were either placed correctly or within an adjacent column. The rest of the statements either needed changes in wording or represented cultural issues with interpreting body and food concerns. Suggestions for changes to the Continuum were recommended. The Continuum was considered to be efficacious as an assessment tool.