Related Experiment Videos
Reducing risk factors for eating disorders: targeting at-risk women with a computerized psychoeducational program
M F Zabinski1, M A Pung, D E Wilfley
1Department of Psychology, San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego, California, USA.
Objective:
This controlled study evaluated whether an 8-week program offered over the Internet would significantly decrease body image dissatisfaction, disordered eating patterns, and preoccupation with shape/weight among women at high risk for developing an eating disorder.
Method:
Fifty-six college women were recruited on the basis of elevated scores (> or =110) on the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). Psychological functioning, as measured by the Eating Disorder Inventory Drive for Thinness (EDI-DT) subscale, Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q), and the BSQ, was assessed at baseline, posttreatment, and at 10-week follow-up.
Results:
All participants improved over time on most measures, although effect sizes suggest that the program did impact the intervention group.
Discussion:
Findings suggest that technological interventions may be helpful for reducing disordered eating patterns and cognitions among high-risk women. Future research is needed to assess whether such programs are effective over time for prevention of and reduction in eating disorder symptomatology.