title: Reducing eating disorder symptoms and risk factors using the internet: A meta-analytic review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this meta-analytic review was, first, to evaluate the efficacy of Internet-based programs in decreasing eating disorder (ED) symptoms, and, second, to identify moderator variables these effects.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty studies were identified and between-group effect sizes were calculated for ED symptoms and risk factors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared with control conditions, Internet-based programs successfully decreased body dissatisfaction (d = 0.28, 95% CI [0.15-0.41], p < .001), internalization of the thin ideal (d = 0.36, 95% CI [0.07-0.65], p < .05), shape and weight concern (d = 0.42, 95% CI [0.13-0.71], p < .05), dietary restriction (d = 0.36, 95% CI [0.23-0.49], p < .001), drive for thinness (d = 0.47, 95% CI [0.33-0.60], p < .001), bulimic symptoms (d = 0.31, 95% CI [0.20-0.41], p < .001), purging frequency (d = 0.30, 95% CI [0.02-0.57], p < .05), and negative affect (d = 0.32, 95% CI [0.12-0.52], p < .001). Moderator analyses revealed no impact of data analytic strategy on intervention effects. Similarly, participant risk status was not a moderator for most outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Internet-based programs are successful in decreasing ED symptoms and risk factors with small to moderate between-group effect sizes.
authors.affiliation: Octogone-Centre D'étude Et De Recherche En Psychopathologie, Université Toulouse II, 5 Allée Antonio Machado, 31058, Toulouse Cedex 9, France.
authors.forename: Tiffany
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Melioli
authors.affiliation: Center for Psychotherapy Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Bergheimerstr. 54, Heidelberg, 69115, Germany.
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bauer
authors.affiliation: Department of Counseling and Applied Educational Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: Debra L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Franko
authors.affiliation: Center for Psychotherapy Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Bergheimerstr. 54, Heidelberg, 69115, Germany.
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moessner
authors.affiliation: Center for Psychotherapy Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Bergheimerstr. 54, Heidelberg, 69115, Germany.
authors.forename: Fikret
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ozer
authors.affiliation: Octogone-Centre D'étude Et De Recherche En Psychopathologie, Université Toulouse II, 5 Allée Antonio Machado, 31058, Toulouse Cedex 9, France.
authors.forename: Henri
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Chabrol
authors.affiliation: Department of Counseling and Applied Educational Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts.|Laboratoire Du Stress Traumatique (EA 4560), Université Toulouse-III Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, 31400, France.
authors.forename: Rachel F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Rodgers
mesh_terms: D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology*; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors
keywords: eating disorders; internet; intervention; moderator; prevention; risk factors