Validating a Short Version of the External Food Cue Responsiveness Scale (EFCR-6) in Preadolescents: Initial Evidence on Validity and Reliability

Background: Responsivity to external food cues is linked to higher adiposity in children, yet validated tools for middle childhood are lacking. This study examined the factor structure of the External Food Cue Responsiveness (EFCR) scale in 185 US preadolescents. Methods: Parents completed the original nine-item EFCR scale. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to evaluate the factor structure. Internal consistency was assessed via Cronbach’s α and McDonald’s . One-year test-retest reliability was evaluated via intraclass correlation (ICC, N = 96). Convergent validity was examined via Spearman’s correlation of the reduced scale with food approach appetitive traits (Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire), lab-observed eating in the absence of hunger (EAH), and BMI-z. Construct validity was assessed via Spearman’s correlations with child media use, trait impulsiveness, and parenting style. Results: EFA revealed a two-factor structure with six items (EFCR-6) (RMSEA = 0.06, SRMR = 0.05, CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.96, loading range: 0.43-0.66), representing visual and auditory cue responsiveness. A global EFCR-6 score converged with multiple food approach appetitive traits ( r range 0.24-0.41, p < .01) and was associated with child media use, coercive feeding, and parenting style ( p < .05). The EFCR-6 scale demonstrated good internal consistency ( α = 0.74) and one-year test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.72). Conclusions: The six-item EFCR scale shows promise as a valid and reliable measure of external food cue responsivity in preadolescents. Cross-validation in independent samples is recommended.