Feeding your feelings: A self-report measure of emotional eating

AbstractThe aim of this study was to develop an instrument to assess the levels of emotional eating in adults. The sample was composed of 420 participants (289 female/ 131 male). The mean age of the participants was 26. Psychometric properties of the Emotional Eating Scale (EES) were examined using explanatory factor analysis, criterion-related validity and internal consistency methods. The factor analysis revealed a unidimensional one-factor 14-item scale. The criterion-related validity of this new scale was examined by comparing scores with the Zung Depression Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire-Short Form and the Spielberger Trait Anxiety Inventory. The results were statistically significant. Cronbach's α internal consistency of the scale was found to be .94. Results indicated that the EES is a reliable and valid scale to determine the levels of emotional eating