Evaluating the muscularity-oriented eating test: Factor structure and psychometric properties among university athletes and across sexes
Eating Behaviors, Vol.59, pp.1-10
01/12/2025
: 40876385
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The Muscularity-Oriented Eating Test (MOET) was developed to measure muscularity-oriented eating pathology among young men; however, this construct is relevant across sexes and may be particularly applicable to athletes. Thus, this study sought to validate the MOET among male and female athletes and non-athletes.
Students (N = 2189) from three U.S. universities completed an online survey. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) testing two MOET versions (12-items, 15-items) were conducted in male and female athletes and non-athletes. Chi-squared tests and invariance analyses were used to evaluate the fit of each model across groups. Convergent validity of the MOET was assessed with Spearman correlation tests.
A one-factor CFA displayed adequate fit for 12-item and 15-item versions across all groups, except the 15-item version in the full sample. Chi-squared tests indicated superior fit of 12-item MOET CFAs among male and female athletes, female non-athletes, and all participants compared to 15-item models (adjusted p < .050); no difference in fit was evidenced between 12-item and 15-item CFAs for male non-athletes (adjusted p = .062). Both versions showed similar convergent validity.
A 12-item MOET may provide improved screening for muscularity-oriented eating pathology in male and female athletes and female non-athletes.
•Eating disorder surveys do not typically assess muscularity-oriented concerns.•The Muscularity-Oriented Eating Test (MOET) was developed in a male sample.•This study evaluated the MOET in athletes and non-athletes, across sex.•Except for male non-athletes, a 12-item vs. 15-item MOET provided better model fit.•Results contribute to research on screening for eating disorder risk in young adults.
- Evaluating the muscularity-oriented eating test: Factor structure and psychometric properties among university athletes and across sexes
- Kaitlin Hanss - University of California, San FranciscoDominic M. Denning - University of Massachusetts AmherstRachael E. Flatt - University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChristina M. Sanzari - University at Albany, State University of New YorkStuart B. Murray - University of California, Los AngelesJason M. Lavender - Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesEmilio J. Compte - Adolfo Ibáñez UniversityAaron J. Blashill - San Diego State UniversityJason M. Nagata - University of California, San FranciscoPamela K. Keel - Florida State UniversityJennifer Harriger - Pepperdine UniversityRiley Nickols - Mind Body Endurance LLC (USA)Jonathan Mond - The Australian National University (Australia, Canberra)Tiffany A. Brown - Auburn UniversitySasha Gorrell - University of California, San Francisco
- Eating Behaviors, Vol.59, pp.1-10
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- Faculty of Health
- English
- Journal article