Assessing Motivation for Treatment in Eating Disorders: Psychometric Validation of the Italian Version of the Autonomous and Controlled Motivation for Treatment Questionnaire (ACMTQ-ITA)

Abstract

Abstract Purpose. Treatment resistance is a significant challenge in addressing eating disorders (EDs). The Autonomous and Controlled Motivation for Treatment Questionnaire (ACMTQ) has been previously validated in ED populations to assess patients' motivation for treatment. The objective of this study was to validate the ACMTQ in the Italian language (ACMTQ-ITA) and evaluate its psychometric properties. Methods. A clinical sample comprising 81 adults (aged 18–65 years) diagnosed with EDs, possessing a good understanding of the Italian language, and providing written informed consent, was recruited. Individuals with psychiatric comorbidities such as schizophrenia, substance use disorder, and bipolar disorder were excluded. Construct validity and internal consistency of the ACMTQ-ITA were assessed using the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) test, Bartlett's test of sphericity, Exploratory Factor Analyses (EFA), reliability analysis with Cronbach's α estimates, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Results. EFA confirmed the existence of a two-factor structure akin to the original validation, comprising Autonomous Motivation (Factor 1; α = 0.81) and Controlled Motivation (Factor 2; α = 0.79). The internal consistency of the ACMTQ-ITA overall score was found to be satisfactory (α = 0.79) through reliability analysis. Furthermore, CFA demonstrated an acceptable fit to our hypothesized model (comparative fit index = 0.90, root mean square error of approximation = 0.09, standardized root mean square residual = 0.10). Conclusion. The ACMTQ-ITA emerged as a valid and reliable tool for measuring motivation for treatment in individuals with EDs. Its implementation may facilitate the comprehension of treatment motivation, offering valuable clinical insights and implications for health management practices.