The reliability and validity of the Irrational Eating Beliefs Scale (IEBS) for subjects at risk for lifestyle-related diseases

Abstract

Objective: To examine the reliability and validity of the Irrational Eating Beliefs Scale (IEBS) among those at risk for lifestyle-related diseases whether the IEBS would apply for subjects at risk for lifestyle-related diseases.
Method: Participants were recruited from a Tokyo medical clinic during April-August 2007. Participants completed questionnaires, including the IEBS and questions from the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scale. Those exceeding the diagnostic norm for abdominal circumference associated with metabolic syndrome or cautioned about having at least one disease were defined as at risk for lifestyle-related diseases, and the analysis were conducted by the subjects at risk or not at risk.
Results: Of 378 participants, we excluded those who did not respond to questions about abdominal circumference or diagnoses (n=79). Responses from 299(79.1%) participants were analyzed (at risk: 167; not at risk: 132). Results showed moderate reliability in at risk(Cronbach's α=0.60~0.83). Weak positive correlations emerged between CHLC and all subscales in at risk (r=0.23~0.25, p <0.05). Weak negative correlations emerged between“avoidance of making changes to eating habits” and the importance of behavioral change (r=−0.35, p <0.01) and between “barriers to changing eating habits” and confidence in behavior change (r=−0.25, p <0.01) in at risk. The same results were confirmed in subjects not at risk. Correlations emerged between “avoidance of making changes to eating habits” and “barriers to changing eating habits” and unhealthy lifestyle in subjects at risk for lifestyle-related diseases, and “barriers to changing eating habits” and unhealthy lifestyle in subjects not at risk for lifestyle-related disease. Conclusion: Because the only correlations between “negative thoughts about weight loss” and MHLC were found among the subjects at risk for lifestyle-related diseases, the validity of “negative thoughts about weight loss” was not confirmed, but the validity of “avoidance of making changes to eating habits” and “barriers to changing eating habits” were confirmed in this study.