Validity of Retrospective Reports of Eating Behavior from the Eating Disorder Examination
Abstract
The Eating Disorder Examination (EDE, Cooper and Fairburn 1987) is the most widely used instrument for the diagnosis of eating disorders. The EDE relies on retrospective self-report to obtain eating behavior information. However, there is growing evidence that retrospective self-reports are prone to errors arising from autobiographical memory. Stone and Shiffman (1994) adopted a method for collecting moment-by-moment data to address these concerns. The present study examined the accuracy of these estimates by comparing retrospective reports from questions on the EDE with data recorded in hand-held computerized eating diaries by obese and normal-weight women. The results suggest some lack of correspondence between the diary data and the EDE for a frequency count of most meal types and for overeating days and episodes, as well as for most cognitive-affective states. Many responses on the EDE appeared anchored at either end, reflecting endorsements of daily or never. However, moment-by-moment recording in the eating diary reflected a range of responses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA434842
Entities
People
- Jay M. Stone
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences