Validating and developing a shortened version of the detail and flexibility (DFlex) questionnaire for eating disorders, anxiety and depression

Abstract

Objective: To validate the original and a shortened version of the Detail and Flexibility (DFlex) Questionnaire.

Method: Confirmatory factor analyses, internal consistency, and discriminant validity estimates were conducted within individuals with a diagnosis of an eating disorder (ED) (n = 124), an anxiety disorder and/or depression (n = 219), and a community sample (n = 852) (Part 1). Convergent validity of the DFlex through comparisons with the Autism Spectrum Quotient, Wisconsin Card Sorting Task, and Group Embedded Figures Task was undertaken within a combined ED and community sample (N = 68). Test-retest reliability of the DFlex was also examined across 2 years in a community sample (N = 85) (Part 2).

Results: The original factor structure of the DFlex was not supported. Hence, a shortened version, the DFlex-Revised, was developed. Good discriminant validity was obtained for the DFlex and DFlex-Revised, however, support for convergent validity was mixed. Finally, the 2-year test-retest reliability for the two DFlex versions was found to be low, suggesting potential malleability in construct over this timeframe.

Conclusions: Further research is needed to validate the DFlex in clinical and non-clinical populations using different neurocognitive tests. Test-retest, using varied time intervals, should also be assessed.

Keywords: anxiety; attention to detail; cognitive rigidity; eating disorders; self-report.