Development and preliminary validation of the cognitive behavioral dieting scale.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this research was to empirically develop the Cognitive Behavioral Dieting Scale (CBDS), a measure of current dieting.


METHODS
The first study involved item generation and a procedure to boost internal consistency while reducing scale length. Study 2 involved a factor analysis and measures of scale reliability. The third study evaluated the ability of the CBDS to predict calorie intake and negative calorie balance from a 24-hr diet recall. Study 4 evaluated construct validity by comparing the CBDS to dietary restraint, body image, and health behavior self-efficacy.


RESULTS
The CBDS is a 14-item scale which measures current dieting behavior and related thoughts within the past 2 weeks. Internal consistency was alpha = .95 and 2-day test-retest reliability was r = .95. This scale provides a method for operationalizing dieting, provides a construct that is different from restraint, and assess dieting behavior on a continuum. Additionally, this scale was able to predict calorie intake and negative calorie balance above and beyond the predictive ability of physical variables (i.e., body mass index BMI] and exercise calories). An additional study of construct validity showed the CBDS was related to poor body image esteem and dietary restraint, but minimally related to healthy eating self-efficacy.


CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, the CBDS shows promise as a valid and reliable measure of dieting behavior. This scale should have utility in future research on how current dieting relates to eating disorders, dietary restraint, and obesity.
Martz
D M
DM
Department of Psychology, ASU, Boone, NC 28608, USA. MARTZDM@CONRAD.APPSTATE.EDU
Sturgis
E T
ET
Gustafson
S B
SB
D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D004032:Diet; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires