An interactive psychoeducational intervention for women at risk of developing an eating disorder.
This study evaluated a synchronous Internet-delivered intervention (chat room) for improving eating habits and body image in college-age women at risk for developing an eating disorder. Sixty at-risk women (mean age = 18.9, SD = 2.4; 65.0% Caucasian, 19% Latino/Hispanic, 8% Asian/Pacific Islander, 3% African American, 5% other; mean body mass index = 25.6, SD = 5.7) were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 30) or control (n = 30) groups. Once a week for 8 weeks, participants used a private chat room for a 1-hr moderated discussion focused on improving body image and eating behaviors. Additional treatment components included psychoeducation, asynchronous support, homework, and summaries. Assessments were conducted at baseline, posttreatment, and 10 weeks after posttreatment. Participants indicated high satisfaction with the intervention mode. Intervention participants significantly reduced eating pathology and improved self-esteem over controls at follow-up. These findings suggest that synchronous, Internet-delivered programs are efficacious and have potential to reduce problematic attitudes and behaviors that may lead to eating disorders among college-age women.
Zabinski
Marion F
MF
Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology.
Wilfley
Denise E
DE
Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology.
Calfas
Karen J
KJ
Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology.
Winzelberg
Andrew J
AJ
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
Taylor
C Barr
CB
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008605:Mental Health Services; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires