An investigation into the psychometric properties of the CORE-OM in patients with eating disorders

Abstract

Aim: The current study aimed to explore the psychometric properties of the CORE-OM (Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation – Outcome Measure) when used in an eating disorder sample. Method: The CORE-OM was administered at assessment to 360 individuals referred to an eating disorders service. Principal component analysis was conducted to look at the psychometric structure of the CORE-OM, and psychometric properties were investigated using analyses of reliability and validity. Results: Analyses of the psychometric structure suggested a three-component solution reflecting negatively worded, positively worded and risk items. The CORE-OM showed good acceptability, acceptable internal and test-retest reliabilities, as well as good convergent and known groups validity. Conclusions: The results of the current study support the CORE-OM as a reliable and valid measure for assessing psychological distress in eating disorders.

Keywords:

• outcome measure
• CORE-OM
• eating disorders
• validation

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Dr. Ruth Pickering for her statistical advice.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Paul E. Jenkins

Biographies

Paul Jenkins is a clinical psychologist currently with Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust Eating Disorders Service, and was formally (when the project was conducted) with the Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust Eating Disorders Service. He also holds an honorary position with the University of Birmingham. Research interests; eating disorders, treatment outcomes, quality of life.

Hannah M. Turner

Hannah Turner is a consultant lead clinical psychologist at the Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust Eating Disorders Service. Research interests; eating disorders, psychological therapy outcomes, attachment.