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Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26)
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About Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26)
Scale Name
Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26)
Author Details
David M. Garner
Translation Availability
Not Sure
Background/Description
The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) is one of the most widely used self-report measures to screen for eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Developed by David M. Garner in 1982, the EAT-26 is a revised version of the original Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-40) and was designed to provide a shorter, more accessible tool for screening disordered eating behaviors and attitudes.
The EAT-26 consists of 26 questions that assess concerns related to food, weight, and body image. It is not a diagnostic tool but a screening instrument used to identify individuals who may require a more comprehensive assessment for eating disorders. The test measures behaviors such as dieting, binge eating, and concerns about body weight and food intake.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Target Population: The EAT-26 is primarily used with adolescents and adults who may be at risk for eating disorders. It can be administered in both clinical and non-clinical settings, such as schools, community health programs, and private practices.
- Format:
- The test consists of 26 items that are answered on a six-point Likert scale ranging from “Always” to “Never.”
- The questions cover areas related to dieting behavior, bulimic tendencies, and food preoccupation.
- Scoring:
- Responses are scored on a scale from 0 to 3, with higher scores indicating a greater risk for eating disorders.
- A total score of 20 or higher on the EAT-26 suggests the need for further assessment by a healthcare professional.
- Administration:
- The test is self-administered and takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.
- It can be administered either in paper form or through online platforms.
- Interpretation:
- Scores of 20 or above suggest a need for professional evaluation for a potential eating disorder. However, the EAT-26 does not diagnose eating disorders; it simply identifies individuals who may be at risk.
Reliability and Validity
The EAT-26 has demonstrated strong reliability and validity across various populations. Studies have shown that it is effective in identifying individuals with disordered eating patterns and is often used in both clinical research and treatment settings. However, it should always be followed up with a clinical interview or further diagnostic measures for a full assessment.
- Reliability: The internal consistency of the EAT-26 has been found to be high, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from 0.79 to 0.94.
- Validity: The EAT-26 has been validated in diverse populations and has been shown to correlate with clinical diagnoses of eating disorders.
Available Versions
26-Items
Reference
Garner, D. M., Olmsted, M. P., Bohr, Y., & Garfinkel, P. E. (1982). The eating attitudes test: psychometric features and clinical correlates. Psychological medicine, 12(4), 871–878. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0033291700049163
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the EAT-26 used for?
A: The EAT-26 is a screening tool designed to identify individuals at risk of developing eating disorders, particularly anorexia and bulimia.
Q: Can the EAT-26 diagnose eating disorders?
A: No, the EAT-26 is not a diagnostic tool. It is used to identify people who may need further evaluation for eating disorders.
Q: Who should take the EAT-26?
A: Adolescents and adults who are concerned about their eating habits, body image, or weight may benefit from taking the EAT-26.
Q: How is the EAT-26 scored?
A: The EAT-26 is scored based on responses to 26 questions, with scores ranging from 0 to 3 for each question. A total score of 20 or above indicates a need for further assessment.
Q: How long does it take to complete the EAT-26?
A: The test typically takes 10-15 minutes to complete.
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