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Updated: Mar 12, 2026

Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
Exposure with response prevention (ERP) for body dissatisfaction in a group therapy format: an exploratory study
Brad A Mac Neil1,2,3, Pauline Leung4,5, Vanessa Montemarano4
1Adult Eating Disorders Program (AEDP) of Hotel Dieu Hospital, Adult Outpatient Psychiatry, 166 Brock Street, Kingston, ON, K7L5G2, Canada. macneib@hdh.kari.net.
Purpose:
The aim of this exploratory study was to examine patient satisfaction and outcomes from exposure with response prevention (ERP) delivered in a group therapy format. The group was aimed at addressing eating disorder symptoms associated with body dissatisfaction in the later stages of outpatient treatment.
Methods:
33 adults with a DSM-5 diagnosis of an eating disorder participated in the ERP group. Participants completed pre- and post-ERP group measures of depression, anxiety, self-evaluation based on body image, restraint, eating concern, weight concern, shape concern, upward and downward appearance comparisons, and patient satisfaction.
Results:
Involvement in the ERP group was associated with significant decreases in self-evaluation based on body image, restraint, eating concern, weight concern, shape concern, and upward physical appearance comparisons post-group treatment. This adjunct treatment group was well received and viewed as being helpful by participants.
Conclusions:
ERP in a group therapy format for addressing body dissatisfaction may represent a complimentary approach to current evidence-based treatments for an eating disorder, and warrant further investigation.
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