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A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
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Internet-based preventive intervention for reducing eating disorder risk: A randomized controlled trial comparing
Andrea E Kass1, Mickey Trockel2, Debra L Safer2
1Department of Psychology, Washington University in St. Louis, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8134, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Behaviour Research and Therapy
|December 3, 2014
Summary
The guided discussion group component of the Student Bodies program significantly reduced weight and shape concerns in at-risk college women. This online intervention enhances eating disorder prevention efforts for young adults.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Intervention Science
Background:
- Student Bodies is an internet-based intervention designed to reduce weight/shape concerns and prevent eating disorders.
- The online guided discussion group component's clinical utility in improving efficacy remains unclear.
- College-age women at high risk for eating disorders are a key demographic for this intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if the guided discussion group enhances the efficacy of the Student Bodies program.
- To determine the impact on reducing weight/shape concerns in high-risk college women.
- To explore baseline variables that may predict differential benefit from the intervention.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial with 151 college women exhibiting high weight/shape concerns.
- Participants were assigned to either Student Bodies with a guided discussion group (n=74) or without (n=77).
- Regression analyses were used to compare outcomes between the two groups, including weight/shape concerns and binge eating.
Main Results:
- Participants in the guided discussion group showed significantly greater reductions in weight/shape concerns (p=0.002; d=0.52).
- Guided discussion group participants had 67% lower odds of exhibiting high-risk weight/shape concerns post-intervention (p=0.02).
- No significant differences were found in binge eating between groups, and no significant moderators were identified.
Conclusions:
- The guided discussion group component significantly improves the Student Bodies program's efficacy.
- This enhancement is specifically related to reducing weight/shape concerns in at-risk college students.
- The findings support the integration of guided online discussions in digital mental health interventions for eating disorder prevention.
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