Taxometric analysis: introduction and overview.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this article is to provide an introduction to taxometric procedures, and a set of mathematical tools utilized to examine the latent structure of constructs as they occur in nature (i.e., categorical versus dimensional).


METHODS
Taxometric procedures have the potential to inform the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) conceptualization of eating disorders, and provide unique information about the construct validity of the current diagnostic scheme. Existing empirical studies which utilize taxometric procedures are reviewed, and the current DSM diagnostic categories are evaluated in terms of how well they square with empirical findings.


CONCLUSIONS
Finally, the implications of the taxometrics literature for future DSM classification of eating disorders, as well as guidelines for future areas of research, are discussed.
Gordon
Kathryn
K
Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306-1270, USA.
Holm-Denoma
Jill
J
Smith
April
A
Fink
Erin
E
Joiner
Thomas
T
D002965:Classification / Q000379:methods; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans