Mapping Inadequacies: A Scoping Review of Disordered Eating Behavior Instruments’ Psychometrics and Global Applicability

Disordered Eating Behavior (DEB) represents a significant global health concern among school-aged children, but existing screening instruments predominantly focus on adolescents and adults in developed countries, critically overlooking younger populations and developing nations. This scoping review systematically maps and evaluates DEB screening instruments used globally in formal educational settings to identify theoretical gaps and propose evidence-based recommendations for future development. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a systematic search was conducted through July 2025 across PubMed, Scopus, EBSCOhost, Wiley, and Taylor & Francis, supplemented by organizational websites and Semantic Scholar. Eligibility criteria included peer-reviewed articles on DEB instrument development, validation, or application in students from primary to tertiary levels published in English, excluding clinical or athletic populations. Data were extracted regarding instrument characteristics, psychometrics, and theoretical foundations, then analyzed using descriptive quantitative and qualitative content analysis. Of the 39 instruments identified, 71.8% originated in developed countries and primarily targeted adolescents or university students. While internal consistency and validity were strong, significant inadequacies were found in psychometric testing, such as measurement invariance, and cognitive or sociocultural dimensions were critically underrepresented. Additionally, a heavy reliance on self-reporting and cross-sectional designs limits causal inference. These findings highlight an urgent need for comprehensive, culturally responsive, and equity-based DEB screening tools. Future development should integrate transdiagnostic, ecological, and positive psychology models, supported by longitudinal and mixed-methods research to ensure effectiveness across diverse global contexts.