The Family Fat Talk Questionnaire: Development and psychometric properties of a measure of fat talk behaviors within the family context

Abstract Fat talk has been well studied in female peer groups, and evidence suggests it may also be important in family contexts. However, no instrument exists to validly assess fat talk within the family. The purpose of this study was to develop a measure of fat talk within families and to establish its psychometric properties in young adult women. In Study 1, the Family Fat Talk Questionnaire (FFTQ) was developed and exploratory factor analysis suggested a 2-factor structure (“Self” and “Family” fat talk), and strong internal consistency. Study 2 confirmed its 2-factor structure using confirmatory factor analysis. Study 3 demonstrated the construct validity of FFTQ scores, including significant correlations with related constructs and predictable gender differences. Study 4 demonstrated the stability of FFTQ scores over two weeks. Therefore, the FFTQ produces valid and reliable scores of fat talk behaviors both exhibited and observed by young adult women within the family context.