Psychometric properties of the Schema Mode Inventory (ED-SF version)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The psychometric properties the Schema Mode Inventory for Eating Disorders-short form (SMI-ED-SF)
IRAS ID
241811
Contact name
Dorothy Tait
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 30 days
Research summary
There is good evidence that psychological problems in adulthood result from patterns of thinking and feeling that begin in response to negative early life experiences. We call these patterns of thinking and feeling ‘core beliefs’ or ‘schemas’. Examples of core beliefs include “I am unloveable”/“Other people cannot be trusted”. Research has shown that core beliefs have a major impact on people with eating disorders (EDs) and how they respond to treatment. These core beliefs are an important focus for therapy and we know they can be changed, softened or their influence reduced.
Psychologists have developed ways of assessing these patterns with questionnaires which can be used to test theories and as part of an assessment to guide treatment more effectively. The problem is that at present the questionnaires used to evaluate these patterns are very long (over 120 items) and are not specific to the kinds of patterns seen in people with EDs. This team of researchers has developed a shorter form of the questionnaire (64 items) that also has specific patterns of responding that have been observed in people with EDs. The aim of this research is to test how well the new shorter measure performs. A shorter measure will be better for patients, easier to score and more useful in research and clinical practice.
The study will use a cross-sectional, quantitative design. Adults who have ED symptomatology (16+), alongside healthy adults, will be invited to complete five questionnaires. Participants will be recruited from services within NHS Scotland. Advertisements will also be placed on BEAT, UK's leading charity supporting those affected by eating disorders, Facebook, Twitter and other websites of various local and international not-for-profit organisations. The questionnaires will be available online hosted by a questionnaire tool (Bristol Online Survey) which will take approx 60 minutes to complete.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
18/NS/0046
Date of REC Opinion
5 Jun 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion