Psychometric validation of the Spanish-language version of the Power of Food Scale in adults: convergent, discriminative, and trait–state associations with eating behavior and hunger
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: The Power of Food Scale (PFS) is a widely used measure of hedonic hunger — the psychological impact of food environments on motivation to eat. No validated Spanish version exists for South American populations. This study adapted and validated an Argentine Spanish version of the PFS in 810 adults. Item analyses showed adequate variability and acceptable corrected item–total correlations. Internal consistency was high (α = .91). Parallel analysis and exploratory factor analysis supported the original three-factor structure. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated acceptable fit; a bifactor model showed improved fit with an Explained Common Variance of .73, supporting use of the total score. Measurement invariance across biological sex was established. Item response theory analyses confirmed adequate discrimination for most items. Convergent validity was supported by strong associations with hedonic eating, binge eating, and eating disorder symptoms, and negative associations with intuitive eating. PFS scores differentiated binge-eating severity groups (AUC = .86) and showed incremental validity over established measures. Regression-based normative data are provided. The Argentine Spanish PFS is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing hedonic hunger in adults.
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7215071722