Confirmatory factor analysis of the Feeding Emotions Scale. A measure of parent emotions in the context of feeding. (1st August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Frankel, Leslie; Fisher, Jennifer O.; Power, Thomas G.; Chen, Tzu-An; Cross, Matthew B.; Hughes, Sheryl O.
• Is Part Of: Appetite. Volume 91(2015)
• Page Start: 107
• Page End: 113
• Publication Date: 2015-08-01
• Subjects: Parent–child dyad -- Feeding emotions scale -- Measures -- Factor analysis -- Differential emotions scale; ANOVA Analysis of Variance between Groups Data Entry -- CFI Comparative Fit Index -- CFSQ Caregiver's Feeding Styles Questionnaire -- CITC Corrected Item-Total Correlations -- DES Differential Emotions Scale -- FES Feeding Emotions Scale -- PANAS Positive and Negative Affect Schedule -- RMSEA Root Mean Square Error of Approximation -- SRMR Standardized Root Mean Squared Residual -- WLSMV Mean- and Variance-adjusted Weighted Least Square; Food habits -- Periodicals; Appetite -- Periodicals; Appetite disorders -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 306.4613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2015.04.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-6663

Abstract

Highlights: An instrument to measure parent affect specific to the feeding context was developed. Feeding Emotions Scale uses the format of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. Confirmatory Factor Analysis suggests good fit of a two-factor model. Concurrent and convergent construct and criterion validity were established. Researchers interested in parent affect and emotion can use this measure in studies. Abstract: Assessing parent affect is important because studies examining the parent–child dyad have shown that parent affect has a profound impact on parent–child interactions and related outcomes. Although some measures that assess general affect during daily lives exist, to date there are only few tools that assess parent affect in the context of feeding. The aim of this study was to develop an instrument to measure parent affect specific to the feeding context and determine its validity and reliability. A brief instrument consisting of 20 items was developed that specifically asks how parents feel during the feeding process. This brief instrument draws on the structure of a well-validated general affect measure. A total of 296 Hispanic and Black Head Start parents of preschoolers completed the Feeding Emotions Scale along with other parent-report measures as part of a larger study designed to better understand feeding interactions during the dinner meal. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a two-factor model with independent subscales of positive affect and negative affect (Cronbach's alphas of 0.85 and 0.84, respectively). Concurrent and convergent construct validity was evaluated by correlating the subscales of the Feeding Emotions Scale with positive emotionality and negative emotionality from the Differential Emotions Scale – a measure of general adult emotions. Concurrent and convergent criterion validity was evaluated by testing mean differences in affect across parent feeding styles using ANOVA. A significant difference was found across maternal weight status for positive feeding affect. The resulting validated measure can be used to assess parent affect in studies of feeding to better understand how interactions during feeding may impact the development of child eating behaviors and possibly weight status.