Validating and developing a shortened version of the detail and flexibility (DFlex) questionnaire for eating disorders, anxiety and depression

Abstract

ObjectiveTo validate the original and a shortened version of the Detail and Flexibility (DFlex) Questionnaire.MethodConfirmatory factor analyses, internal consistency, and discriminant validity estimates were conducted within individuals with a diagnosis of an eating disorder (ED) (n = 124), an anxiety disorder and/or depression (n = 219), and a community sample (n = 852) (Part 1). Convergent validity of the DFlex through comparisons with the Autism Spectrum Quotient, Wisconsin Card Sorting Task, and Group Embedded Figures Task was undertaken within a combined ED and community sample (N = 68). Test‐retest reliability of the DFlex was also examined across 2 years in a community sample (N = 85) (Part 2).ResultsThe original factor structure of the DFlex was not supported. Hence, a shortened version, the DFlex‐Revised, was developed. Good discriminant validity was obtained for the DFlex and DFlex‐Revised, however, support for convergent validity was mixed. Finally, the 2‐year test‐retest reliability for the two DFlex versions was found to be low, suggesting potential malleability in construct over this timeframe.ConclusionsFurther research is needed to validate the DFlex in clinical and non‐clinical populations using different neurocognitive tests. Test‐retest, using varied time intervals, should also be assessed.

A new network analysis model in anorexia nervosa patients based on self‐reported eating disorder symptoms, psychological distress, and cognitive flexibility

“…The results indicate that lower self-reported cognitive flexibility is associated with heightened dietary rules, preoccupations with food and eating, and psychological distress. Our findings are consistent with other studies that have implicated cognitive flexibility in the pathogenesis of depression and anxiety (Park & Moghaddam, 2017;Schmid & Hammar, 2013;Schofield et al, 2012;Stange, Hamilton, et al, 2017), AN (Tchanturia et al, 2012), and overall ED symptoms (Giles et al, 2023). However, the extent to which cognitive flexibility functions as a risk factor for the development of AN, as a maintenance factor through the repeated use of ED behaviours because of deficits in cognitive flexibility, or both, remains unclear.…”