Eating Attitudes Test

The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) is a standardized self-report tool designed to gauge symptoms and concerns related to eating disorders. It has been adopted widely in both clinical and research contexts.

History and Development

The EAT has its origins in the original 40-item version, published in 1979, created to analyze the socio-cultural aspects influencing the onset and persistence of eating disorders. By 1982, this instrument was refined into a 26-item version, frequently referred to as the EAT-26. Garner and colleagues were pivotal in this refinement process. Since its introduction, the EAT has undergone translation into numerous languages, facilitating its global usage in manifold studies. Notably, both the 1979 and 1982 papers are among the top-cited articles in the Psychological Medicine journal, a prestigious publication in psychology and psychiatry.

EAT-26 Application

While the EAT-26 can be employed in clinical settings specifically targeting eating disorders, it's equally useful in non-specialized environments. Ideal contexts for its administration include:

• Schools
• Athletic programs
• Fitness centers
• Infertility clinics
• Pediatric practices
• General medical practices
• Outpatient psychiatric departments

The tool can be dispensed individually or to groups, and is suited to be handled by a range of professionals, including mental health experts, school counselors, coaches, and camp counselors.

Purpose and Limitations

Though valuable, the EAT-26 is not intended to diagnose an eating disorder independently, nor should it replace expert diagnosis or consultation. No screening tool, including the EAT-26, has been universally acknowledged as the exclusive method for pinpointing eating disorders.

However, the EAT-26 excels as a preliminary screening mechanism, especially for discerning "eating disorder risk" within populations such as students or athletes. The foundational premise is that early detection could pave the way for prompt intervention, mitigating severe physical or psychological repercussions.

Test Mechanics

Participants respond to test items on a six-point scale, reflecting the frequency of certain behaviors: Always, Usually, Often, Sometimes, Rarely, and Never. A subsequent "referral index" is obtained upon completion, based on:

• 1. Total score from EAT-26 responses.
• 2. Responses to behavior-related questions about eating symptoms and weight loss.
• 3. The individual's Body Mass Index (BMI) derived from their height and weight.

A professional referral is typically suggested if an individual crosses a specific threshold or "cut-off" score on one or multiple criteria.

Availability and Permissions

For those interested in utilizing the EAT-40 or EAT-26, permissions can be sought from David Garner either via the EAT-26 website or through the River Centre Clinic. Additionally, the EAT-26, along with scoring instructions, is freely accessible for download from the EAT-26 website, which also offers automated scoring and feedback.

References

Eating Attitudes Test Resources
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