Socio-Cultural Factors of Overeating Among Adolescents

Abstract

The primary aim of this study was to develop a scale that effectively identifies the social and cultural factors contributing to overeating among adolescents. The research was conducted in two phases. Initially, 28 items were developed through focus groups, interviews, and a review of existing literature. Following expert evaluation using the Content Validity Index (CVI), 23 items were retained. These items were tested for factorial validity on 300 university students aged 10-19 (M = 17.98, SD = 2.17).  Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) further refined the scale, resulting in a 13-item final version. The psychometric properties of the Socio-Cultural Factors of Overeating Scale were developed in the second phase. Convergent validity was established by correlating the scale with the Eating in the Absence of Hunger Scale (Pasquale et al., 2023), showing a significant correlation (r = .44**, p < .01). Discriminant validity was confirmed by comparing the scale with the Salzburg Emotional Eating Scale (Meule et al., 2018), revealing a significant inverse relationship (r = -.54**, p < .01). The study’s findings have substantial implications, offering a robust and reliable measure for evaluating socio-cultural factors related to overeating. This tool not only benefits researchers by providing a valuable instrument for exploring these factors but also will aid clinicians in delivering personalized and effective treatment. The scale enhances diagnostic accuracy and supports the development of targeted intervention strategies, making it a valuable resource in various clinical settings.