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

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–Bχ 2 (1832) = 3324.799; p <.001; RMSEA = 0.045; 90% CI 0.043–0.048; CFI = 0.880; SRMR = 0.066; χ 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. Level of evidence: Level V, descriptive study.