Adaptation of the Mindful Eating Scale to Turkish for the adolescent population: A validity and reliability study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Mindful Eating Scale among adolescents.

METHOD: The research was conducted methodologically with a sample of 800 adolescents. Data were collected using a Sociodemographic Information Form and the Mindful Eating Scale. Statistical analyses included language, content, and construct validity (Confirmatory Factor Analysis), as well as internal consistency and test-retest reliability.

RESULTS

The mean age of the adolescents participating in the study was 15.72 ± 0.87. the final scale consisted of 24 item and six sub-dimensions. Of the adolescents, 94.3% did not have any nutrition-related diseases, 58.1% had knowledge about mindful eating, and 83.3% had not received nutrition education. Factor loadings of the scale were found to range between 0.317 and 0.846. All items significantly contributed to their respective factors. Fit indices were found to be χ2/df = 3.489, GFI = 0.91, IFI = 0.90, CFI = 0.90, RMSEA = 0.05, and SRMR = 0.06. These values indicate that the scale's fit is acceptable and at a good level. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the scale was 0.78, indicating good internal consistency.

CONCLUSION

The Mindful Eating Scale, presented in its Turkish version, is a valid and reliable tool. It can be effectively used by school counselors, dietitians, pediatric nurses and healthcare providers and researchers to assess nutritional behaviors in adolescent populations and develop mindful awareness-based interventions.