Validation of the Arabic-language version of the Eating-Related Eco Concern (EREC) scale

Abstract Background: The concept of eating-related eco-concern (EREC) has recently been introduced to the literature to designate the way in which eco-concern may impact disordered eating. Researchers suggest that the EREC may tap into a unique dimension of disordered eating behavior not addressed by commonly used disordered eating measures. This study aims to analyze the factor structure, reliability, cross-sex measurement invariance and validity of the Arabic-language version of the Eating-Related Eco-Concern Scale (EREC) among adults from the general population. Methods: This cross-sectional research enrolled 763 Lebanese adults who participated by completing the newly translated Arabic version of the EREC Scale via an online survey. We followed the EFA-CFA strategy to validate the scale. Results: Both EFA and CFA showed a one-factor structure. The reliability was excellent as shown via the alpha coefficient (= .91) and the omega coefficient (= .91) in the CFA. The invariance across sex was established at the configural, metric, and scalar levels for the EREC scale. No statistically significant difference between males and females was found in terms of EREC scores. More eating-related eco concerns correlated significantly and positively with higher climate anxiety and eco-guilt, attesting to its concurrent validity. Conclusion: Our findings affirm the reliability and validity of the Arabic adaptation of the EREC Scale. This brief and simple tool could be used across different settings among the Arabic-speaking population and encourage cross-cultural research on matters in the intersection of climate, eating habits and mental well-being.