Establishing the reliability and validity of the Diet Culture Beliefs Scale

Abstract

ESTABLISHING THE RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF THE DIET CULTURE BELIEFS SCALE Throughout history, human bodies have evolved to represent status, wealth, and morality through their shape and size. Although body objectification occurs across the gender spectrum, women have historically experienced the most pressure to fit whatever sociocultural norms are current. In recent decades, women whose bodies are thin and toned are often more highly valued in United States society than those who are in larger bodies. Efforts to transform and maintain the ideal body are rampant among women and include restrictive diets, excessive exercise, and pharmaceutical or surgical interventions. Dieting has become a pervasive part of United States culture. Research has shown that dieting is a strong predictor of eating disorders. Eating disorders account for more deaths than most mental illnesses, second only to opioid addiction. Eating disorders and disordered eating exist in people of all shapes and sizes, ethnic, and sociocultural backgrounds, but they often go undiagnosed because of the sociocultural stigma that only emaciated, young, wealthy, White women suffer from them. Early detection of eating disorders is crucial for successful treatment and intervention. This study explored the development of a new scale, the Diet Culture Beliefs Scale, by assessing its reliability and validity as a measure of individuals' internalized beliefs about the ways in which food and body size are indicative of morality and health. The goal of this study was to contribute a tool to both the body of research and clinical practice that may help medical and mental health providers identify warning signs of eating disorder development. Study results indicated that the Diet I cannot express enough gratitude to my husband and partner, Mark. Mark, you have been my rock throughout the past few years. You have believed in me, encouraged me, listened to me, and celebrated with me during all of the highs and lows of graduate school. You have helped me find the courage to make a huge change in my life (and our life) by leaving behind my career to pursue a different path. You always make sure I have at least 4 drinking vessels with caffeine before I leave the house, and your care, humor, and understanding have meant the world to me.Finally, my parents, Karen and Ray, and my sister, Shannon, have always cheered me on from afar, even when I take my own path. I have not followed the conventional routes, which is (I'm sure) frightening at times for loved ones to witness, but they have loved, accepted, and supported me even during the unknowns and risks. Thank you for caring about my dreams and being a part of my journey towards becoming a licensed psychologist. v TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT .