Table 2.

MEI Factor Structure from Sample 1A

I eat because…	Factor1	Factor2	Factor3	Factor4	Factor5
I feel like I have no control.	0.57864
it makes me feel like I am in control.	0.60690
it helps me deal with anger.	0.61346
it helps me deal with sadness.	0.68251
it helps me get over fights with friends or family.	0.69345
makes me feel less lonely.	0.72651
it helps me deal with loneliness.	0.78739
it helps me feel better when things are not going well.	0.79109
makes me feel less sad.	0.90879
it makes me feel smart about my health.		0.62286
it makes me feel more energetic.		0.73794
it makes me feel stronger.		0.75751
it makes me feel healthy.		0.79242
if makes me feel like I am taking care of myself.		0.82083
eating certain foods makes me and my friends stand out.			0.58811
I can’t stop eating.			0.65645
then my family will leave me alone about my weight.			0.66890
it makes me feel happy.				0.63973
it makes me feel better.				0.72635
it makes me feel good.				0.82604
it is part of being with my family.					0.51789
I don’t want my parents to be mad at me.					0.59515
so my friends/family members don’t have to eat alone.					0.69599
everyone else is doing it.					0.79257