Effectiveness and feasibility of a cognitive-behavioral group intervention for body image disturbance in women with eating disorders.
OBJECTIVE
The present study investigated the effectiveness and feasibility of a cognitive-behavioral group intervention for the treatment of body image disturbance in women with eating disorders.


METHODS
The study used a multiple-baseline design and enrolled 38 participants with a range of eating disorders. The intervention targeted attitudinal and behavioral components of body image disturbance using psychoeducation, self-monitoring, systematic desensitization, and cognitive restructuring. Primary outcomes included multidimensional body image assessment (effectiveness) and treatment adherence and satisfaction (feasibility).


RESULTS
Participants undergoing manualized group treatment reported significantly less body image disturbance than participants randomized to a waitlist control condition. However, differences disappeared after both groups had been through intervention. Participants also reported less depression and eating disorder pathology from baseline to posttreatment, however this difference was not considered statistically significant. Feasibility outcomes suggest the intervention was well received and highly acceptable to participants.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings emphasize the importance of adding an evidence-based body image component to standard eating disorder treatment.
The Cleveland Center for Eating Disorders, Beachwood, Ohio 44224, USA. Kelly.bhatnagar@gmail.com
Kelly A C
KA
Bhatnagar
Lucene
L
Wisniewski
Mindy
M
Solomon
Leslie
L
Heinberg
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015146:Midwestern United States; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D057832:Watchful Waiting; D055815:Young Adult