A mixed-methods validation of the Intuitive Eating Scale-2 for use with kidney transplant recipients

作者：Rebecca J. Linnett, S. S. Hubbard, Noelle Robertson, John Maltby · 发表于：PLoS ONE · 年份：2026 · DOI：10.1371/journal.pone.0340998 · 被引用次数：1 · 研究领域：Behavioral Health and Interventions、Eating Disorders and Behaviors、Optimism, Hope, and Well-being

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 850 million people worldwide, imposing not only substantial health burdens but also complex dietary management challenges. For kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), dietary restrictions often lessen post-transplant, yet the transition to a 'normal' diet is fraught with difficulty after years of externally imposed rules. In this context, intuitive eating, which emphasises internal hunger and satiety cues over external dietary mandates, may support the development of sustainable, self-managed eating behaviours. Despite the recent publication of a third version of the scale, the Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (IES-2) is currently the most widely-used measure of intuitive eating, but it has not yet been validated for use with KTRs. To address this gap, a mixed-methods validation study was conducted, integrating qualitative thinkaloud interviews with KTRs and a quantitative survey involving KTRs and a non-CKD comparison group, to evaluate the face, factorial and construct validity and internal consistency of the IES-2 within this population. Results from both qualitative and quantitative workstreams revealed critical psychometric and conceptual issues with the 'Unconditional Permission to Eat' (UPE) subscale, including compromised item discrimination, construct validity, and reliability, as well as responses being systematically influenced by participants' experiences as KTRs. The original four-factor structure of the IES-2 was unsupport...