Evaluation of the reliability and validity of the Italian version of the schema mode inventory for eating disorders: short form for adults with dysfunctional eating behaviors

Purpose To examine the psychometric properties and the factorial structure of the Italian version of the schema mode inventory for eating disorders-short form (SMI-ED-SF) for adults with dysfunctional eating patterns. Methods 649 participants (72.1% females) completed the 64-item Italian version of the SMI-ED-SF and the eating disorder examination questionnaire (EDE-Q) for measuring eating disorder symptoms. Psychometric testing included confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and internal consistency. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was also run to test statistical differences between the EDE-Q subscales on the SMI-ED-SF modes, while controlling for possible confounding variables. Results Factorial analysis confirmed the 16-factors structure for the SMI-ED-SF [S-B chi(2) (1832) = 3324.799; p < .001; RMSEA = 0.045; 90% CI 0.043-0.048; CFI = 0.880; SRMR = 0.066; chi(2/df) = 1.81; < 3]. Internal consistency was acceptable in all scales, with Cronbach's Alpha coefficients ranging from 0.635 to 0.873. Conclusions The SMI-ED-SF represents a reliable and valid alternative to the long-form SMI-ED for assessment and conceptualization of schema modes in Italian adults with disordered eating habits. Its use is recommended for clinical and research purposes.