title: Validation of the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (DEBQ) among Maltese women.
abstract: The main aim of this study was to assess the dimensional structure of the Maltese version of the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (DEBQ) and evaluate the instrument's validity and reliability among Maltese women (N = 586). Exploratory factor analysis reflected the theoretical structure of three factors; emotional, restrained and external eating which was supported by a Confirmatory Factor analysis. Minor issues with specific items in the Emotional and External eating scale were identified and discussed. Criterion-related validity was ascertained through correlations with the EAT-26. The study also assessed the DEBQ's predictive value in differentiating between BMI groups and between dieters and weight maintainers. The results suggest that the Maltese DEBQ is a psychometrically valid and reliable instrument for assessing eating behaviours with women in the Maltese community. The study also highlights the critical role of Emotional and Restrained eating in dieting and overweight Maltese women.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Environment, Health & Societies, Department of Life Sciences, Marie Jahoda Building, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, United Kingdom. Electronic address: elaine.dutton@brunel.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Elaine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Dutton
authors.affiliation: Institute of Environment, Health & Societies, Department of Life Sciences, Marie Jahoda Building, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Terence M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Dovey
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000886:Anthropometry; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004032:Diet / Q000523:psychology*; D004435:Eating / Q000523:psychology*; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008319:Malta; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology; D050177:Overweight / Q000523:psychology; D011594:Psychometrics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (DEBQ); Eating styles; Obesity; Psychometrics; Women