Comparison of face-to-face and internet interventions for body image and eating problems in adult women: an RCT.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes following an eight-session, small group, therapist-led, intervention for body dissatisfaction, and disordered eating in adult women, delivered either in face-to-face or synchronous, internet mode.


METHODS
Community women with high body dissatisfaction and internet access were randomly assigned to either face-to-face delivery (N = 42), internet delivery (N = 37), or delayed treatment control (N = 37). All groups were assessed at baseline and 8-9 weeks later. The intervention groups were reassessed at 6-months follow-up.


RESULTS
Both intervention groups showed large improvements in body dissatisfaction compared with the delayed treatment control and these improvements were maintained at follow-up. However, posttreatment improvements were greater in the face-to-face than internet intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
In adult women, it is desirable to deliver the body image intervention in a face-to-face mode, but the internet mode is effective and has the potential to increase access to therapy.
Paxton
Susan J
SJ
School of Psychological Science, Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia. susan.paxton@latrobe.edu.au
McLean
Siân A
SA
Gollings
Emma K
EK
Faulkner
Cathy
C
Wertheim
Eleanor H
EH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted; D016896:Treatment Outcome