Eating Disorder Inventory for Children (EDI-C) : Effects of age and gender in a Swedish sample

• ObjectiveTo evaluate the Swedish version of the Eating Disorder Inventory for Children (EDI-C) from a gender and developmental perspective and to provide normative data.MethodsData were collected within seven cross-sectional projects. Completed questionnaires, from 2070 boys and 2655 girls in grades 4–12, were included.ResultsThe psychometric properties of EDI-C in non-clinical groups of girls and adolescent boys resemble those found for adolescent girls with an eating disorder. Significant differences were found between genders, grades and pre-adolescent and adolescent groups. An increase in drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction and problems with interoceptive awareness and impulse regulation characterized the adolescent girls. Maturity fears, interpersonal distrust and social insecurity decreased during adolescence for both genders.ConclusionsThe results indicate that the EDI-C could well be used for both boys and girls, although separate norms are recommended for pre-adolescents and adolescents as well as for boys and girls.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Psykiatri (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Psychiatry (hsv//eng)

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)