Evaluation of the reliability and validity of the Italian version of the schema mode inventory for eating disorders: short form for adult with dysfunctional eating behavior

<p>Purpose To examine the psychometric properties and the factorial structure of the Italian version of the schema mode inventory<br> for eating disorders&mdash;short form (SMI-ED-SF) for adults with dysfunctional eating patterns.<br> Methods 649 participants (72.1% females) completed the 64-item Italian version of the SMI-ED-SF and the eating disorder<br> examination questionnaire (EDE-Q) for measuring eating disorder symptoms. Psychometric testing included confirmatory<br> factor analysis (CFA) and internal consistency. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was also run to test statistical<br> differences between the EDE-Q subscales on the SMI-ED-SF modes, while controlling for possible confounding variables.<br> Results Factorial analysis confirmed the 16-factors structure for the SMI-ED-SF [S&ndash;B&chi;2 (1832) = 3324.799; p &lt; .001;<br> RMSEA = 0.045; 90% CI 0.043&ndash;0.048; CFI = 0.880; SRMR = 0.066; &chi;2/df = 1.81; &lt; 3]. Internal consistency was acceptable<br> in all scales, with Cronbach&rsquo;s Alpha coefficients ranging from 0.635 to 0.873.<br> Conclusions The SMI-ED-SF represents a reliable and valid alternative to the long-form SMI-ED for assessment and<br> conceptualization of schema modes in Italian adults with disordered eating habits. Its use is recommended for clinical and<br> research purposes.</p>