Confirmatory factor analysis and measurement invariance of the eating disorders examination-questionnaire across four male samples in Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: The eating disorder examination-questionnaire (EDE-Q) is among the most widely used instruments in eating disorder research and clinical practice. However, the underlying structure remains a source of confusion, and contradictory results have emerged in studies among male populations. In the current study, we examined previously proposed models of EDE-Q structure in four community samples of Argentinian men. METHOD: A series of confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were performed for five previous factor structure models of the EDE-Q among 232 Argentinian male university students, 277 weightlifters, 275 cross-fit users, and 202 athletes. A multigroup CFA was conducted in the model we retained, to assess measurement invariance across groups. RESULTS: A respecified model of the brief eight-item one-factor proposal provided acceptable fit to the data over the original four-factor structure and three other proposed models. Results from the multigroup CFA showed that the retained model was invariant across samples. CONCLUSION: Our results provide support for retaining a one-factor EDE-Q structure over a multifactor solution for research purposes among male community samples in Argentina. These data underscore the importance of undertaking psychometric assessment of eating disorder symptom measures before their utilization in specific populations.

What position do you play? Eating disorder pathology among rugby players, and the understudied role of player position.

OBJECTIVE: Male athletes appear to be at high risk for Eating Disorders (ED), given sport-related pressures. Although in some sports weight loss confers a competitive advantage, men also participate in sports where a large body is considered to enhance performance. In rugby a heavier body has been associated with sports success, however, physical demands vary given the position in the field (forward or back). We aimed to investigate whether ED pathology varied as a function of player position. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 203 rugby players (Mage = 21.78, SD = 3.54) in order assess associations between elevated eating pathology given the players' position, and with ED mediating mechanisms (physical comparison and exercise dependence). RESULTS: 8.9% (95% CI: 4.9, 12.8) of the participants presented elevated eating pathology. Players' position, physical comparison and exercise dependence were associated with elevated eating pathology. Forwards tended to endorse binge eating more frequently, and showed higher levels of eating concerns. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that ED symptoms differ as a function of player position, and that elevated eating pathology in rugby players is associated with appearance comparison and exercise dependence. Despite the possible implications for prevention and treatment efforts, the clinical validity of the current findings must be confirmed with further research.