Feasibility and acceptability of a peer-led mindful self-compassion program for adults with eating disorder symptoms

The implementation of peer-led programs provided by individuals with lived experience of mental disorders has been increasingly acknowledged as a key component in improving the quality of mental health services. When considering research on eating disorders, peer-led online programs may be an alternative approach to enhancing participants' well-being. Furthermore, increasing evidence suggests that mindful self-compassion (MSC) may be a helpful approach to strengthening self-compassion as a prevention program for eating disorders. However, the feasibility and acceptability of online group-based peer-led MSC programs remain unexplored in this context.

In this pilot study, using a single-arm pre-post pilot design, lived experience experts delivered and managed the program themselves and collected the data. Participatory action research principles informed the study's quantitative design. Adults with symptoms of eating disorders were invited to participate. The primary outcome was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the MSC program, measured by the dropout rate, attendance rate, and client satisfaction. As a secondary outcome, the program's preliminary efficacy on self-compassion and psychological well-being was investigated.

Twenty-five people contacted the user organization, and all agreed to participate. However, 18 participants (78%) responded to the questionnaires at both measurement points. Two participants dropped out. The attendance rate was excellent, with 35% of the participants achieving 100% attendance, 39% completing seven of the eight group sessions (87.5% attendance), and 26% of the participants achieving 75% attendance. The participants reported to be very satisfied with the MSC program, with a total mean score of 14.4 (SD = 1.42, 95% CI [13.7, 15.1]) out of a maximum of 16 points. The participants also showed significant improvement in self-compassion and psychological well-being.

The findings indicate that the program was both feasible and acceptable for adults with eating disorder symptoms. Additionally, participants reported significant improvements in self-compassion and psychological well-being. However, as this was the first study to examine such a program in this context, these preliminary findings warrant further research. Nonetheless, these findings suggest that peer-led online MSC programs may offer an accessible, community-rooted, and person-centered addition to ED services, particularly for individuals underserved by traditional models.