Psychometric evaluation of the eating disorder examination and eating disorder examination‐questionnaire: A systematic review of the literature

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to systematically review the reliability of scores on the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) and the Eating Disorder Examination‐Questionnaire (EDE‐Q) and to examine the validity of their use as measures of eating disorder symptoms. Method: Articles describing the psychometric properties of the EDE and EDE‐Q were identified in a systematic search of major computer databases and a review of reference lists. Articles were selected based on a priori inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Fifteen studies were identified that examined the psychometrics of the EDE, whereas 10 studies were found that examined the psychometrics of the EDE‐Q. Discussion: Both instruments demonstrated reliability of scores. There is evidence that scores on the EDE and EDE‐Q correlate with scores on measures of similar constructs and support for using the instruments to distinguish between cases and non‐cases. Additional research is needed to broaden the generalizability of the findings. © 2011 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2012;)