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Piloting single session interventions in a sample of weight concerned youth: Study protocol for a randomised
Mia L Pellizzer1, Marcela Radunz1, Jamie-Lee Pennesi1
1Blackbird Initiative, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia; Flinders University Institute of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.
Body Image
|July 27, 2025
Summary
This study tested a smartphone app delivering single session interventions (SSIs) for early eating disorder intervention. The app showed feasibility and acceptability for young people with elevated weight concerns.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Digital Health
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Eating disorders are prevalent in adolescents and emerging adults, with early intervention crucial for preventing chronicity.
- Transdiagnostic psychological processes are key targets for early intervention in eating disorders.
- Smartphone apps offer a feasible platform for delivering early interventions to young people.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of single session interventions (SSIs) for early eating disorder intervention delivered via a smartphone app.
- To inform SSI content through consumer consultation and expert consensus on transdiagnostic psychological processes.
- To pilot test the SSIs in a randomized controlled trial for young people aged 14-25 with elevated weight concern.
Main Methods:
- Development of nine SSIs informed by transdiagnostic processes and expert/youth consultation.
- A pilot randomized controlled trial comparing SSIs to a waitlist control.
- Assessment of acceptability, feasibility, eating disorder psychopathology, and mental health outcomes at baseline, post-treatment, and 1-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- The study will assess the acceptability and feasibility of the smartphone-delivered SSIs.
- Effectiveness will be evaluated through changes in global eating disorder psychopathology and secondary mental health outcomes.
- Qualitative feedback will be analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Conclusions:
- Early intervention via a smartphone app is a promising approach for addressing eating disorders in young people.
- Feasibility and acceptability are key outcomes for this digital intervention.
- Further research will determine the long-term effectiveness of these SSIs.
