Cole’s recent paper examining the new EAT scale in the MMPI-3! In addition to expanding available correlations / validity coefficients (see table below), the paper examines differences in relationships between EAT scores and those criterions based on gender. Before diving into the findings, its important to note that prior research has found EAT to be related to binge and purge behaviors, but other forms of disordered eating to be underassessed. Findings of our paper indicate that not only do differences emerge on binging and purging behaviors (typically stronger for women than for men), but that there are differences in endorsement rate and elevation frequency. Differences in endorsement and elevation frequency may reflect prevalence differences existing between men and women as a function of symptom prevalence; however, differential validity coefficients have interpretive implications for use of EAT. Further work investigating differential validity as a function of diversity characteristics is warranted, as those characteristics often produce differential prevalence and presentation patterns of disordered eating.
Download the article PDF Here.
Dr. Paul Ingram, Ph.D 