Body Image Group as Adjunct to Eating Disorder Treatment: Feasibility, Acceptability, and Early Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Negative body image (BI) is a significant factor in the development and persistence of eating disorders (EDs).
• Current ED treatments have limited effectiveness in reducing negative BI, necessitating adjunctive interventions.
• Psychotherapists often integrate additional BI techniques to address patient concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and preliminary outcomes of a 12-session virtual BI group intervention.
• To assess the acceptability and effectiveness of integrating evidence-based BI protocols into ED treatment.
• To address the clinical need for improved BI interventions in ED care.

Main Methods:

• A 12-session virtual BI group intervention was implemented.
• Thirty-six adolescents and young adults (14-21 years) with transdiagnostic EDs participated.
• Pre- and post-intervention online surveys measured group acceptability, negative BI, and ED pathology.

Main Results:

• The intervention demonstrated promising feasibility and acceptability.
• 63.9% of participants completed or actively engaged in the group.
• Participants showed reductions in negative BI and overall ED pathology.

Conclusions:

• The virtual BI group intervention is feasible, acceptable, and effective in reducing negative BI and ED pathology.
• Qualitative feedback highlighted the need for gender- and body-size-inclusive BI interventions.
• Further research is needed to test effectiveness in larger samples and diverse settings.