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Goldfarb Fear of Fat Scale
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About Goldfarb Fear of Fat Scale
Scale Name
Goldfarb Fear of Fat Scale
Author Details
Lori A. Goldfarb
Translation Availability
Not Sure
Background/Description
In the intricate landscape of eating disorders, one pervasive emotion often lurks in the shadows: fear. Fear of fatness, fear of weight gain, a constant dread of a body exceeding perceived ideals. It’s this very apprehension that the Goldfarb Fear of Fat Scale (GFFS) aims to illuminate, developed by Lori A. Goldfarb, Elisabeth M. Dykens, and Meg Gerrard in 1985.
Born from an understanding of bulimia nervosa and its connection to a crippling fear of fatness, the GFFS emerged as a simple yet powerful tool. Ten statements, stark and direct, probe the depths of this anxiety. From the dread of stepping on a scale to the constant scrutiny of body size, each item resonates with those consumed by weight gain’s specter.
But the GFFS isn’t merely a mirror reflecting anxieties. It’s a diagnostic compass, guiding both clinicians and researchers through the maze of eating disorders. By quantifying this fear, the GFFS helps differentiate between individuals struggling with bulimia, chronic dieters, and those with a healthier relationship with food and body image.
Beyond diagnosis, the GFFS becomes a beacon of progress. As individuals embark on the journey of recovery from eating disorders, tracking their GFFS scores becomes a testament to their battle against fear. With each point shed, a victory is notched, paving the way for a healthier self-image and a more accepting relationship with their bodies.
However, the GFFS isn’t without limitations. Like any tool, it captures one facet of a complex problem. While fear of fatness is central to many eating disorders, it doesn’t encompass the full spectrum of emotions and behaviors at play. For some, like those struggling with anorexia nervosa, other anxieties, like fear of hunger or control, might eclipse the weight-centric worries.
Despite these limitations, the Goldfarb Fear of Fat Scale remains a valuable instrument in the fight against eating disorders. It shines a light on a critical aspect of these struggles, offering both diagnosis and a map for recovery. For clinicians and researchers, it’s a window into the minds of those battling their deepest fears, while for individuals themselves, it’s a tool for self-understanding and a measure of progress on the path to healing.
The 10-item GFFS measures one of the underlying emotional experiences of eating disorders, the fear of becoming fat. The instrument can also be used to assess weight phobia. It is also useful in identifying clients at risk of bulimia or anorexia as well as in assessing the state of those already suffering from these disorders.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Present the instructions: Read the instructions for the GFFS clearly and concisely. Explain that there are 10 statements and each describes a thought or feeling related to weight and body image.
- Provide rating scale: Clearly explain the 4-point rating scale ranging from 1 (very untrue) to 4 (very true). Encourage the participant to select the response that best reflects their personal experience.
- Read each statement: Read each statement slowly and clearly, allowing the participant ample time to understand and reflect before responding.
- Record responses: Record the participant’s responses without judgment or influence. Maintain neutrality throughout the administration.
Reliability and Validity
The Goldfarb Fear of Fat Scale (GFFS) has earned its place as a widely used tool in the realm of eating disorder assessment and research. But how reliable and valid is it truly? Let’s dive into the evidence:
- Internal consistency: The GFFS demonstrates strong internal consistency, meaning the items within the scale measure the same underlying construct (fear of fatness) and correlate highly with each other. Alpha coefficients typically range from 0.88 to 0.90, indicating good internal consistency.
- Test-retest reliability: The GFFS shows good test-retest reliability, meaning scores remain relatively stable over time when participants retake the scale after a reasonable interval. This suggests the GFFS accurately reflects individuals’ underlying fear of fatness.
- Content validity: The GFFS items appear relevant and representative of the concept of fear of fatness, suggesting good content validity.
- Concurrent validity: The GFFS scores correlate significantly with other measures of eating disorder symptoms and body dissatisfaction, demonstrating concurrent validity. For example, it shows higher scores in individuals with bulimia nervosa compared to non-clinical samples.
- Discriminant validity: The GFFS can effectively differentiate between individuals with different levels of fear of fatness, such as those with eating disorders, chronic dieters, and non-dieters, supporting its discriminant validity.
Available Versions
10-Items
Reference
Goldfarb, L. A., Dykens, E. M., & Gerrard, M. (1985). The Goldfarb fear of fat scale. Journal of Personality Assessment, 49(3), 329-332.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is it?
Measures fear of weight gain and fatness. Used in eating disorder research and diagnosis.
How does it work?
10-question self-report survey. Rated on a 4-point scale (1=very untrue, 4=very true). Higher scores indicate greater fear.
Reliable and valid?
Yes, strong internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Valid for assessing fear of fatness, especially in eating disorders.
Limitations?
Focuses only on fear of fatness, may not capture other aspects of eating disorders. Less valid for individuals with anorexia nervosa.
Who uses it?
Clinicians for diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Researchers for studying eating disorders and body image.
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