The EDE-Q in Hebrew: Structural and Convergent/Divergent Validity in a Population Sample.

BACKGROUND: The Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), originally written in English, is used to screen for and help diagnose eating disorders (EDs). The purpose of this study was to test a Hebrew version for structural validity, for convergent validity, and screening properties in a non-clinical community sample in Israel.

METHOD: The EDE-Q was translated into Hebrew, with permission, and administered online with other well-used self-report instruments to 292 community volunteers (18% male).

RESULTS: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses largely confirmed the original factor structure, although weight and shape concerns converged into a single factor. Results indicate good convergent validity and screening properties.

CONCLUSIONS: The favorable psychometric properties of the EDE-Q found in this study add the Hebrew version to a growing list of EDE-Q translations valid in diverse cultures. This important instrument is now available to Israeli clinicians and researchers and should be used and further explored with larger and more diverse populations.