Taxometric analysis: Introduction and overview

Objective: The purpose of this article is to provide an introduction to taxometric procedures, and a set of mathematical tools utilized to examine the latent structure of constructs as they occur in nature (i.e., categorical versus dimensional). Method: Taxometric procedures have the potential to inform the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) conceptualization of eating disorders, and provide unique information about the construct validity of the current diagnostic scheme. Existing empirical studies which utilize taxometric procedures are reviewed, and the current DSM diagnostic categories are evaluated in terms of how well they square with empirical findings. Conclusion: Finally, the implications of the taxometrics literature for future DSM classification of eating disorders, as well as guidelines for future areas of research, are discussed.