Construct validity and factor stability of the anorectic cognitions questionnaire

Abstract

Specific cognitive distortions may be central to the psychopathology of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa; however, few psychometrically adequate instruments exist to assess these cognitions. The Mizes Anorectic Cognitions (MAC) questionnaire was previously developed to fill this need. The present study examined the construct validity, temporal reliability, and factor stability of the MAC in a sample of 100 college females. Results suggested excellent construct validity and test-retest reliability. Moreover, the three previously identified factors (i.e., Self-Control, Weight and Approval, Rigid Weight Regulation) were cross-validated in this sample.