The Multidimensional Psychology of Eating Questionnaire (MPEQ)

Abstract

The Multidimensional Psychology of Eating Questionnaire (MPEQ) is a comprehensive psychological scale designed to assess a broad spectrum of cognitive, affective, behavioral, and motivational factors related to eating habits and nutritional tendencies. Unlike instruments focused solely on eating disorder symptomatology, the MPEQ utilizes 130 items categorized into 26 distinct subscales, capturing dimensions such as optimism, self-efficacy, locus of control, and emotional responses (e.g., anxiety, anger, depression) concerning food intake. This instrument provides a deep, multifaceted view of an individual’s psychological relationship with eating behaviors.

Keywords

Eating optimism, eating perfectionism, eating self-monitoring, eating self-esteem, internal locus of eating control, external locus of eating control, eating assertiveness, motivation for healthy eating, eating disorder prevention, eating consciousness, eating self-efficacy, eating depression, eating anxiety, eating guilt-shame, fear of becoming overweight, eating disorder.

Authors

William E. Snell, Jr., Ph.D.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the MPEQ is to measure the psychological underpinnings of eating behavior across numerous constructs simultaneously. By moving beyond simple behavioral checklists, the MPEQ aims to identify underlying motivational systems, cognitive styles, and emotional reactions that drive or inhibit healthy eating patterns.

The scale is intended for use in research settings to explore complex relationships between personality variables and nutritional outcomes, potentially aiding in the development of targeted interventions for problematic eating behaviors or general health promotion initiatives. Its multidimensional scope allows researchers to pinpoint specific areas of psychological vulnerability or strength related to diet.

Construct

The MPEQ measures 26 distinct dimensions related to the psychology of eating. These constructs cover predictive beliefs, control mechanisms, self-evaluative components, and emotional states.

Key constructs include aspects of locus of control (Internal, Power-Other, and Chance-Luck), which assess whether individuals attribute their eating habits to personal actions or external forces. Furthermore, the scale measures motivational factors (e.g., motivation for healthy eating, motivation to avoid unhealthy eating) and cognitive-affective states (e.g., eating depression, eating anxiety, eating guilt-shame, and eating self-efficacy).

The 26 measured subscales are:

• eating optimism
• eating disorder
• eating perfectionism
• eating self-monitoring
• eating self-esteem
• power-other locus of eating control
• eating assertiveness
• healthy eating appetite
• motivation for healthy eating
• eating social desirability (an MPEQ validity subscale)
• eating disorder prevention
• chance-luck locus of eating control
• eating consciousness
• eating status self-perception
• internal locus of eating control
• motivation to avoid unhealthy eating
• eating self-efficacy
• eating disorder self-blame
• eating self-schemata
• eating response consistency (an MPEQ validity subscale)
• fear of becoming overweight
• eating depression
• eating satisfaction
• eating anxiety
• eating guilt-shame
• eating anger

Validity

While specific validity coefficients (e.g., convergent, discriminant) are not detailed in the source content, the inclusion of 26 distinct subscales and two dedicated validity subscales (eating social desirability and eating response consistency) implies a strong focus on establishing robust psychometric properties. The comprehensive nature of the constructs suggests an effort toward high content validity, ensuring that all relevant psychological domains related to eating are covered.

The scale’s structure, which partitions control beliefs (locus of control) and emotional responses separately, supports construct validity by differentiating between distinct theoretical concepts often confounded in simpler eating disorder screening tools. Further research utilizing the MPEQ would typically confirm criterion validity through correlations with established clinical assessments and objective behavioral measures.

Reliability

The multi-item structure of the MPEQ suggests that internal consistency, typically measured by Cronbach’s alpha, would be calculated for each of the 26 subscales individually. High internal consistency is expected within these specific dimensions, given the focused nature of the item clusters (e.g., items related only to “fear of becoming overweight”).

Factor Analysis

The organization of the MPEQ into 26 distinct subscales strongly indicates that the instrument was developed and refined using extensive factor analysis techniques, likely Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) followed by Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). This rigorous psychometrics process would be necessary to substantiate the independence and integrity of the large number of factors measured, ensuring that each subscale contributes uniquely to the overall understanding of eating psychology.

Instrument

Test Type: Self-report psychological scale

Format: 130 items, responded to using a 5-point Likert-type scale.

Language Available: English (Original)

Population Group: General population; likely used primarily with college students or adults in initial development studies.

Age Group: Adolescents and Adults (typically 18+)

Population Details: The scale is designed for administration to individuals capable of self-reflecting on complex psychological states related to eating behavior.

Test Methodology: Respondents rate the extent to which each statement is characteristic of them, using the following scale:

• A = Not at all characteristic of me.
• B = Slightly characteristic of me.
• C = Somewhat characteristic of me.
• D = Moderately characteristic of me.
• E = Very characteristic of me.

Keywords

Psychology of eating, motivation, body image, self-esteem, self-efficacy, cognitive factors, affective response, healthy eating, nutritional habits, behavioral control, locus of control, psychometrics.

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: Not provided in source content.

Affiliation Email addresses: [email protected]

Correspondence Address: William E. Snell, Jr., Ph.D., Department of Psychology, Southeast Missouri State University, One University Plaza, Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701, Office: Scully Building 427F.

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

The MPEQ was copyrighted by William E. Snell, Jr. between 2001 and 2008. Researchers seeking to utilize this instrument should contact the author directly via email or postal address to confirm current licensing requirements, permissions, and any associated fees.

Reference’s

Snell, W. E., Jr. (2001-2008). The Multidimensional Psychology of Eating Questionnaire (MPEQ). Southeast Missouri State University.

The instrument is available online at: http://www4.semo.edu/snell/scales/MPEQ.htm

Items of the The Multidimensional Psychology of Eating Questionnaire (MPEQ)

IMPORTANT: The following scale items must be preserved in their original language and must not be changed in any way.

1. I expect that my eating habits will be excellent in the future.

2. When I don’t eat in a healthy fashion‚ I myself am in control of whether this improves.

3. My goal is for my eating habits/tendencies to be perfect in every way.

4. I pay particularly close attention to how others react to my personal eating habits.

5. I derive a sense of self-pride from the way I handle my own eating habits.

6. My eating habits are determined largely by other more powerful people (e.g.‚ parents‚ family).

7. I assertively pursue my nutritional needs.

8. I have a strong and healthy appetite.

9. I’m very motivated to develop and maintain healthy patterns of eating.

10. I have never eaten any junk food in my entire lifetime.

11. If I am careful with my diet‚ then I will be able to prevent myself from ha‎ving an eating problem.

12. My own personal eating habits are determined mostly by chance happenings.

13. I am very aware of my eating habits and patterns.

14. I have good eating habits and behaviors.

15. My eating habits and behaviors are something that I myself am directly in ch‎arge of.

16. I try to do things that keep me from eating too much.

17. I have the ability to take care of my own eating-nutritional requirements.

18. I am to blame for those times when I don’t eat very well.

19. Not only do I have healthy eating habits‚ but it is important to me that I keep these healthy eating habits.

20. I’m very motivated to develop and maintain healthy patterns of eating.

21. I believe that in the future my eating habits will be healthy and nutritional.

22. When my eating habits are poor‚ I myself am responsible for improving them.

23. I always strive to be totally “perfect” in my eating tendencies/habits.

24. I’m very concerned with how others evaluate my eating and mealtime habits.

25. I am proud of the healthy eating habits I have established.

26. My eating habits are largely determined by people other than myself (e.g.‚ friends‚ family).

27. When others want me to eat foods of poor nutritional value‚ I simply refuse.

28. My appetite for food is always strong and robust.

29. I’m strongly motivated to devote time-effort to maintaining good eating habits.

30. In my adult life‚ I have never eaten any food with my fingers.

31. I can prevent myself from ha‎ving any eating problems by developing positive eating behaviors.

32. The type of food that I eat is influenced largely by luck and chance (i.e.‚ by whatever food happens to be around).

33. I tend to spend a considerable amount of time thinking about my eating habits.

34. My current eating habits and behaviors are healthy and nutritional.

35. My eating habits and behaviors are something that I alone am responsible for.

36. I am motivated to keep myself from eating more than I need.

37. I am competent enough to make sure that my eating habits are healthy and nutritious.

38. If my eating and nutritional habits were to deteriorate‚ I would be the person to blame.

39. Not only do I watch my food intake (i.e.‚ how much I actually eat)‚ but it’s important to me that I do so.

40. Not only do I have healthy eating habits‚ but it is important to me that I keep these healthy eating habits.

41. I do not expect to suffer any eating problems in the future.

42. If I were to develop an eating disorder‚ I myself would be responsible for getting better.

43. I am perfectionist when it comes to taking care of my own eating/nutritional needs.

44. I’m very concerned about what others think of my eating habits and behaviors.

45. I am pleased with how well I handle my own eating habits and behaviors.

46. My eating behavior is strongly influenced by the actions of powerful others (e.g.‚ celebrities‚ models).

47. When I have a disagreement with someone about my nutritional preferences‚ I tell them so.

48. I never seem to lack a strong healthy appetite.

49. I have a strong desire to adhere to a healthy pattern of eating behaviors.

50. I have never eaten more than I needed at any meal.

51. If I just practice healthy eating habits‚ then I will be able to avoid any eating problems in the future.

52. My eating behaviors (i.e.‚ the types of food that I eat) are determined by luck.

53. I think about my eating habits more than most people do.

54. I am a person who has healthy eating habits.

55. The type and amount of food that I eat is largely determined by my own actions.

56. I try to avoid engaging eating too much of anything.

57. I have the skills and ability to guarantee good‚ healthy eating behaviors for myself.

58. If I were to develop an eating disorder‚ then I’d be to blame for not taking good care of myself.

59. I am careful about my nutritional and eating tendencies‚ and it=s important to me that I am careful.

60. If I just practice healthy eating habits‚ then I will be able to avoid any eating problems in the future.

61. I will probably experience a number of eating problems in the future.

62. If I were to develop any eating problems‚ my recovery would depend in large part on my own actions.

63. It is very essential that I develop and maintain the very best possible eating habits.

64. I’m concerned about the public impression cr‎eated by my own personal eating habits.

65. I have positive feelings about my own eating behavior.

66. In order to have good eating habits‚ I have to conform to other more powerful people.

67. I am not at all passive about getting my nutritional needs fulfilled.

68. I always seem to be ‘adequately’ hungry.

69. It’s really important to me that I pay careful attention to my own eating habits.

70. I have never eaten off of anyone else’s plate.

71. I will be able to avoid any future eating problems‚ if I just attend to my own eating habits.

72. My eating habits and tendencies are caused by luck and other chance-related experiences.

73. I notice immediately when I deviate from my usual eating habits.

74. My eating behavior needs a lot of work in order to be healthy and beneficial.

75. The amount that I eat at any particular meal is a matter of my own personal control.

76. I really want to prevent myself from overeating.

77. I am able to handle my own eating and nutritional needs.

78. If I were to start eating in an unhealthy way‚ then it would be my own fault for letting it happen.

79. It’s important to me that I pay attention to my eating habits‚ and I actually do so.

80. I’m very aware of any changes that may occur in my eating patterns.

81. I anticipate that my eating habits and behaviors will deteriorate in the future.

82. If I developed an eating disorder‚ my recovery would depend on how I myself dealt with the problem.

83. I set the very highest standards for my eating/nutritional habits.

84. I’m concerned about what other people think of my eating habits and table manners.

85. I feel good about the way I manage my own eating needs and requirements.

86. My eating behavior is largely determined by people who have considerable influence and control over me.

87. I don’t eat food that is bad for me just because someone serves it to me.

88. I always have a strong appetite.

89. I strive to to maintain a consistent and healthy pattern of eating.

90. I have never rushed through a meal at any time in my life.

91. If I just pay attention to my diet‚ I will be able to prevent myself from ha‎ving any eating problems.

92. I believe that chance and luck play an important role in my eating habits and tendencies.

93. I’m very aware of any changes that may occur in my eating patterns.

94. My eating habits and behaviors are in immediate need of attention.

95. Eating nutritious‚ healthy food is a matter of my own personal control and effort.

96. I am really motivated to avoid eating an excessive amount of food.

97. I am capable of taking care of my own eating-nutritional needs.

98. If I were to develop poor eating habits‚ then it would be my own fault.

99. I monitor my daily eating routines‚ and it=s really important to me that I do this.

100. I always seem to be “adequately” hungry.

101. I am afraid of becoming overweight.

102. I am depressed about my eating habits.

103. I am satisfied with my eating habits.

104. I feel anxious when I think about my eating habits.

105. I feel ashamed of my eating habits.

106. I am angry about my eating habits/tendencies.

107. I have a fear of becoming fat.

108. My current eating/nutritional habits leave me feeling unhappy and sad.

109. I am satisfied with my eating tendencies/nutritional habits.

110. I’m worried about the nature of my eating habits and behaviors.

111. My eating tendencies are embarrassing to me.

112. My usual eating habits leave me feeling angry.

113. I am fearful of gaining a great deal of weight.

114. I feel sad about my usually eating tendencies and proclivities.

115. I feel dissatisfied with my eating patterns.

116. Thinking about my eating habits leaves me with an uneasy feeling.

117. I am ashamed of my eating patterns.

118. My eating habits and mannerisms cause me to feel angry.

119. I don’t have much fear about becoming overweight.

120. I feel down in the dumps about my eating habits.

121. I am pleased with my usual patterns of eating.

122. I am more anxious about my eating habits than most people are.

123. When I think about my eating habits‚ I feel shame.

124. I experience feelings of anger about my eating preferences and habits.

125. I’m not afraid of becoming fat.

126. After I eat‚ I become depressed about the food I’ve eaten.

127. My eating behaviors are satisfying to me.

128. I feel nervous when I think about my eating patterns and habits.

129. After I eat‚ I feel guilty about what I’ve eaten.

130. I feel angry about my eating tendencies.