Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the binge eating scale

Abstract

Studying binge eating is profoundly important for understanding its underlying mechanisms and developing effective interventions. Its measurement for non-clinical samples holds a pivotal role. The current study aims to examine the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Binge Eating Scale (BES) for the first time. The study included a non-clinical sample (N = 323) consisting of participants from 18 to 61 years old. Internal consistency, construct validity, and BES association with other measures were examined. We found a high internal consistency for the single-factor structure of the BES (α = .84). The internal consistency was weaker for the two-factor model, including cognitive/emotional and behavioral sub-dimensions (α = .75 and .67, respectively). Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were conducted separately to test single-factor and two-factor structures of the BES. A single-factor structure measuring binge eating (BE) severity was accepted as the final version of the scale. BE was significantly related to body mass index (BMI), self-control, and body dissatisfaction in the expected directions. The current findings supported the single-factor structure. As a result, it has been shown that the Turkish version of the BES is a valid and reliable measurement tool.