The purpose of this paper is to present an overview and evaluation of the Eating Disorder Inventory. The evaluation is formulated based on the information about the test presented in the overview.
Ash (1995) and Schinke (1995) have provided information regarding the basic features and properties of the Eating Disorder Inventory (2nd version). Based on the overviews of the instrument provided by these authors, it can be stated that the Eating Disorder Inventory--expanded version (EDI-2) is published by Psychological Assessment Resources Incorporated. The first version of the inventory was published in 1984 and the expanded version was published in 1991.
The EDI-2 is actually part of an entire instrument packet provided by the publisher. This packet contains not only the EDI-2, but also the EDI Symptom Checklist (EDI-SC).
Like the EDI-2, the EDI-SC is a self-report instrument; however it was designed to collect both current and historical data on respondents' eating-related and mental history. Test administration instructions recommend that the EDI-SC be given in conjunction with the EDI-2 when there is a need for complete and detailed symptom occurrence and frequency information.
Regarding the EDI-2 itself, it can be noted that this is a self-report instrument of symptoms commonly associated with anorexia and bulimia. The expanded version contains the original 64 items that comprised the first version, plus 27 new items.
The original items are grouped using eight scales and the new items are grouped using three scales for a total of 11 scales. Taken together, these scales measure the extent to which the test taker evidences the following: Drive for Thinness; Bulimia; Body Dissatisfaction; Ineffectiveness; Perfectionism; Interpersonal Distrust; Interoceptive Awareness; Maturity Fears; Asceticism (provision); Impulse Regulation (provisional); and Social Insecurity (provisional).
Regarding the EDI-2 sca...