An Investigation of the Eating Concerns Scale of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–3 (MMPI-3) in a Postoperative Bariatric Surgery Sample

Criterion and Incremental Validity of the MMPI-3 Eating Concerns Scale in a University Sample

“…Both studies show generally moderate to large correlations between the MMPI-3 EAT scale and other eating pathology measures (such as the EDE-Q that was used in both studies) in a female/predominantly female university sample, providing evidence of good criterion-related validity of the MMPI-3 EAT scale. The present findings are also similar to some degree to the Marek et al (2020) study of post-operative bariatric patient sample. Consistent with Marek et al (2020), scores on the MMPI-3 EAT scale showed large correlations with the EDE-Q Eating Concerns and Shape Concerns scales; however, the findings of the current study demonstrated larger correlations with scores on the other EDE-Q scales (Weight Concerns, Binge Eating, Compensatory Behaviours, Restraint and Global Index).…”

“…The present findings are also similar to some degree to the Marek et al (2020) study of post-operative bariatric patient sample. Consistent with Marek et al (2020), scores on the MMPI-3 EAT scale showed large correlations with the EDE-Q Eating Concerns and Shape Concerns scales; however, the findings of the current study demonstrated larger correlations with scores on the other EDE-Q scales (Weight Concerns, Binge Eating, Compensatory Behaviours, Restraint and Global Index). This discrepancy could be due to our sample being larger and more heterogeneous in regards to eating pathology than the bariatric post-operative sample Marek et al (2020) examined.…”

“…MMPI-3 EAT scale scores were also correlated with higher %WR (r = .37). Marek et al (2020) concluded that the MMPI-3 EAT scale scores are associated with good convergent validity and that the MMPI-3 EAT scale is a promising instrument for the assessment of eating pathology in postoperative bariatric surgery population. Further validation is required, however, as Marek et al (2020) used a very small sample in a highly specific context with respect to eating concerns and behaviours.…”

“…Moreover, the MMPI-3 Technical Manual also indicated that EAT scale scores were associated with therapists' ratings of both excessive eating and concerns about body image in a large community mental health sample. Marek et al (2020) conducted the only independent peerreviewed study to this point that has evaluated the validity of scores on the new MMPI-3 EAT scale. The participants were 38 patients who underwent bariatric surgery 5 years prior to completing the instrument.…”

“…The focus was on ED symptom dimensions rather than specific disorders as the MMPI-3 uses a dimensional rather than categorical approach in assessing mental health. Based on the content of the five items of the EAT scale, preliminary data published in the MMPI-3 Technical Manual (Ben-Porath & Tellegen, 2020b) and Marek et al's (2020) findings, we developed five hypotheses. First, it was hypothesised that the EAT scale scores would be correlated with binge-eating symptoms.…”