The development and assessment of a scale to measure the experience of an anorexic voice in anorexia nervosa

Hampshire, Kay, Tierney, Stephanie, Varese, Filippo, Haddock, Gillian, Saeidi, Saeideh and Fox, John R. E. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3039-8024 2020. The development and assessment of a scale to measure the experience of an anorexic voice in anorexia nervosa. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy 27 (6) , pp. 940-954. 10.1002/cpp.2481

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Abstract

The anorexic voice (AV) is defined as a critical internal dialogue which has been implicated in the development and maintenance of anorexia nervosa (AN). Systematic research to explore this further requires a valid and reliable measurement tool. This study aimed to develop and assess the validity of the Experience of an Anorexic VoicE Questionnaire (EAVE-Q). EAVE-Q items were developed and checked for face and content validity through cognitive interviews with seven individuals diagnosed with AN. Participants with a diagnosis of AN (N = 148) completed the EAVE-Q, sociodemographic questions and measures of mood and quality of life to assess internal consistency and construct 3 validity. Forty-nine participants completed the EAVE-Q twice more to assess test-retest reliability. The EAVE-Q had good face and content validity and good acceptability. Principal axis factoring resulted in an 18-item scale organised into five domains with high internal consistency (α = .70 to α = .85). Domains correlated significantly with eating disorder symptoms, psychological distress and quality of life. The EAVE-Q did not discriminate between participants on the basis of body mass index. Test-retest reliability was moderate. Although the factor structure of the EAVE-Q requires replication in other AN samples, the EAVE-Q is the first measure of a critical internal dialogue in AN. It is hoped that it will aid future research to increase understanding of AN and the continued development of person-centred treatments.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Psychology
Publisher:	Wiley
ISSN:	1063-3995
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	1 June 2020
Date of Acceptance:	23 May 2020
Last Modified:	06 Nov 2023 23:57
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/132077

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