Validation and Reliability Assessment of the Japanese Version of the Salzburg Stress Eating Scale in an Adult Population

Abstract

Recent studies have explored the impact of stress on eating behavior, necessitating a clear understanding of eating patterns during periods of heightened stress. They revealed that individuals either increased, decreased, or maintained an unchanged food intake under stress. To implement effective interventions in stressful situations, it is crucial to assess an individual's eating behavior patterns, including changes in dietary intake. This study assessed the validity and reliability of the Japanese version of the Salzburg Stress Eating Scale (SSES‐J), which measures stress‐induced changes in eating behavior. Study 1 comprised an online survey administered to 763 Japanese participants. The survey collected data on the SSES‐J, stress perception, eating behavior, height, and weight. The participant cohort was divided into two groups. In Group 1 ( n  = 382), exploratory factor analysis confirmed that the SSES‐J had a one‐factor structure. Confirmatory factor analysis was subsequently conducted in Group 2 ( n  = 381), and a satisfactory fit was obtained after accounting for error correlations between similar items. Study 2 investigated the validity of the SSES‐J, examining its correlations with eating behavior‐related variables and depression in a sample of 653 Japanese students and adults. Study 3 extended this validation by examining the scale's associations with eating disorder‐related constructs in a sample of 414 Japanese students and adults. Across the studies, the SSES‐J was found to have a consistent single‐factor structure and high reliability and validity.