Development and Preliminary Validation of the Adherence to Weight Control Questionnaire

Background and Purpose: This study tests the psychometric properties of the Adherence to Weight Control Questionnaire, a new screening tool to measure treatment adherence (TAWC) and the risk of nonadherence to weight control (RNAWC) in adolescents. Methods: Participants are 92 adolescents (12–18 years old) from a pediatric obesity clinic. Construct validity were evaluated using a principal axis factoring method with varimax rotation. Reliability and criterion-related validity of both scales were also checked. Results: Both scales presented good reliability values (.770 and .908). Statistical analyses yielded a 1-factor solution for the RNAWC and a 4-factor solution for the TAWC. Criterion-related validity of scales was also checked. Conclusions: Results showed that this theory-driven measure of adherence to weight control has adequate psychometric properties to support both research and the clinical practice.