First- and second-order factor structure of five subscales of the eating disorders inventory

OBJECTIVE: Insofar as the factor structure of the Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI) among nonclinical participants is unclear (despite very wide use), the present study addressed the factor structure of five EDI subscales (Drive for Thinness, Bulimia, Perfectionism, Interpersonal Distrust, and Maturity Fears). METHOD: Relatively large samples of non-patient women who participated in a cohort study of behavior and diet in 1982 (N = 617) and 1992 (N = 545) completed the five EDI subscales. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Results are the first to clearly support the intended factor structure of the EDI among nonclinical participants.