Factor structure, group invariance, and concurrent validity of scores from the college eating and drinking behavior scale among U.S. college students

Food and alcohol disturbance (FAD) refers to the intersection of alcohol- and eating-related motives and behaviors, such as restricting food intake before or during alcohol use to offset caloric intake or to enhance intoxication. Valid assessment is critical for advancing research on FAD. We tested the factor structure, group invariance, and concurrent validity of the College Eating and Drinking Behavior Scale (CEDBS) in a large college student sample (n = 2610; Mage = 20.95, SD = 4.65; 71.8% female; 77% White; 86% non-Hispanic). Participants completed measures assessing antecedents of alcohol use (i.e., protective behavioral strategies and drinking motives), negative alcohol-related consequences, alcohol use severity, and risk for eating disorder. The 3-factor model of the 21-item CEDBS provided an adequate fit to the data (e.g., CFI = 0.916). These factors include Alternative Methods (4 items; “Use laxative prior to drinking alcohol”), Offset Calories (7 items; “Restrict calories prior to drinking to help maintain your figure”), and Quicker Intoxication (10 items; “Not eating before drinking alcohol because it gives you the best buzz”). The CEDBS was scalar invariant across subgroups of participants based on age, sex, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and political orientation. Quicker Intoxication was most strongly related to risk factors and negative consequences for alcohol (r = 0.204–0.379, all ps < 0.01), and Offset Calories was most strongly related to risk for eating disorders (r = 0.349, p < .01). These findings further support the CEDBS to assess FAD among college students.