Psychometric properties of the German version of the Eating Pathology Symptoms Inventory.

BACKGROUND

The Eating Pathology Symptoms Inventory (EPSI) is a multidimensional self-report measure for the assessment of eating pathology and related aspects: Body Dissatisfaction, Binge Eating, Cognitive Restraint, Purging, Restricting, Excessive Exercise, Negative Attitudes Toward Obesity, and Muscle Building. The aims of the current studies were to provide a German translation of the EPSI and replicate the original EPSI's psychometric properties and correlates.

METHODS

In two cross-sectional surveys using convenience samples (n = 361 and n = 178), participants completed the German EPSI along with other questionnaires.

RESULTS

In both studies, the EPSI's eight-factor structure, high internal consistencies, and differential associations with other instruments assessing eating disorder-specific and general psychopathology as well as gender differences on the EPSI's scales were largely replicated.

CONCLUSIONS

The German EPSI had sound psychometric properties that allow for a reliable and valid, multidimensional assessment of eating-disorder psychopathology.