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Comparing online and face-to-face dissonance-based eating disorder prevention
Kasey Serdar1, Nichole R Kelly, Allison A Palmberg
1a Department of Psychology , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia , USA.
Eating Disorders
|January 25, 2014
Summary
Online and in-person dissonance-based programs effectively reduce eating disorder (ED) risk factors in college women. Both delivery methods showed comparable results, highlighting the success of adapting ED prevention for online accessibility.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Digital Health
Background:
- Disordered eating behavior is prevalent among college women, necessitating effective prevention programs.
- Dissonance-based (DB) programs show promise in reducing eating disorder (ED) risk factors.
- Traditional face-to-face DB groups face barriers like lack of anonymity and convenience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of an online DB program versus a face-to-face DB program and an assessment-only control group.
- To determine if online adaptation of DB programs is a feasible and effective delivery mode for ED prevention.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 333 undergraduate women compared three conditions: face-to-face DB program, online DB program, and assessment-only control.
- Participants were recruited from a public university in the mid-Atlantic United States.
- Outcomes measured included thin-ideal internalization, body dissatisfaction, and ED symptoms.
Main Results:
- Both face-to-face and online DB programs led to significant reductions in body dissatisfaction compared to the assessment-only group.
- No significant differences in outcomes were found between the online and face-to-face DB program delivery modes.
- The findings support the successful adaptation of DB ED prevention programs for online delivery.
Conclusions:
- Dissonance-based eating disorder prevention programs can be effectively delivered online, overcoming barriers of traditional formats.
- Online DB programs offer a viable and comparable alternative to face-to-face delivery for reducing ED risk factors.
- Future research should explore online ED prevention in diverse age groups and genders.
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