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Binge Eating Scale (BES)
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About Binge Eating Scale (BES)
Scale Name
Binge Eating Scale (BES)
Author Details
James Gormally, S. Black, S. Daston, and D. Rardin
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Binge Eating Scale (BES) is a widely used self-report instrument designed to assess the severity of binge eating behaviors, particularly in individuals at risk for or experiencing Binge Eating Disorder. Developed in the early 1980s, the scale emerged in response to the need for a structured yet accessible method to identify maladaptive eating patterns, especially among individuals with obesity.
The BES focuses on the behavioral, emotional, and cognitive components associated with binge eating episodes. It captures not only the frequency of overeating but also the psychological experiences that accompany such behaviors, including feelings of loss of control, guilt, and distress. This multidimensional approach reflects the growing recognition that binge eating is not solely a behavioral issue but also involves significant emotional dysregulation.
In clinical and research settings, the BES serves as both a screening and evaluative tool. It is frequently used to identify individuals who may require further diagnostic assessment and to monitor changes in binge eating severity over time, particularly in response to therapeutic interventions. Its brevity and ease of administration make it especially valuable in large-scale studies and routine clinical practice.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain the Official Copy: Ensure the Binge Eating Scale is accessed through legitimate academic publications, licensed distributors, or authorized clinical resources.
- Explain the Purpose: Inform respondents that the scale assesses patterns of eating behavior and associated emotional experiences.
- Provide Instructions: Ask participants to respond based on their typical behaviors and feelings, selecting responses that best reflect their experiences.
- Time Required: The scale typically takes approximately 5–10 minutes to complete.
- Administer the Scale: The BES can be administered by psychologists, clinicians, or trained researchers in clinical, academic, or community settings, ensuring confidentiality and ethical standards are maintained.
Reliability and Validity
The Binge Eating Scale has demonstrated robust psychometric properties across diverse populations. Studies have consistently reported good internal consistency, indicating that the items reliably measure the construct of binge eating severity. Test–retest reliability findings suggest that the scale produces stable results over time when symptoms remain unchanged.
Construct validity is supported by correlations between BES scores and related psychological constructs, such as emotional eating, depression, and disordered eating patterns. Criterion validity has also been established through its ability to differentiate between individuals with clinically significant binge eating behaviors and those without.
Published research indicates acceptable reliability and validity for use in psychological research and screening; however, specific numerical coefficients vary across studies.
Available Versions
16-Items
Reference
Gormally, J., Black, S., Daston, S., & Rardin, D. (1982). The assessment of binge eating severity among obese persons. Addictive Behaviors, 7(1), 47–55.
Grupski, A. E., Hood, M. M., Hall, B. J., Azarbad, L., Fitzpatrick, S., & Corsica, J. (2013). Examining the Binge Eating Scale in screening for binge eating disorder in bariatric surgery candidates. Obesity Surgery, 23(1), 1–6.
Marcus, M. D., Wing, R. R., & Hopkins, J. (1988). Obese binge eaters: Affect, cognitions, and response to behavioral weight control. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 56(3), 433–439.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Binge Eating Scale measure?
It assesses the severity of binge eating behaviors, including emotional and cognitive aspects associated with overeating episodes.
Who can use the BES?
It can be used by psychologists, clinicians, and researchers in both clinical and research settings.
Is the Binge Eating Scale free to use?
Availability depends on the source; users should obtain it through authorized and ethical channels.
Can the BES diagnose Binge Eating Disorder?
No, it is a screening and assessment tool and should be used alongside clinical interviews for diagnosis.
How long does it take to complete the BES?
It typically takes about 5–10 minutes.
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