title: A Controlled Randomized Preliminary Trial of a Modified Dissonance-Based Eating Disorder Intervention Program.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We conducted a controlled randomized preliminary trial of a modified dissonance-based eating disorder program (n = 24) compared to an assessment-only control condition (n = 23) via a longitudinal design (baseline, postintervention, 2-month follow-up) in a community sample of women (N = 47) with clinical (n = 22) and subclinical (n = 25) eating disorder symptoms.
  
  
  METHODS
  The traditional content of the Body Project, a dissonance-based eating disorder prevention program, was modified to include verbal, written, and behavioral exercises designed to dissuade self-objectification and maladaptive social comparison. Women with clinical and subclinical symptoms were included in the target audience to investigate both the treatment and the indicated prevention utility of the modified dissonance program. Body dissatisfaction, self-esteem, self-objectification, thin-ideal internalization, maladaptive social comparison, trait anxiety, and eating disorder symptoms were evaluated in the control and the modified dissonance condition at baseline, postintervention, and 2-month follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We predicted a statistically significant 2 (condition: control, modified dissonance) x 3 (time: baseline, postintervention, 2-month follow-up) interaction in the mixed factorial multivariate analyses of variance results. Results confirmed this hypothesis. Eating disorder risk factors and symptoms decreased significantly among participants in the modified dissonance condition at postintervention and 2-month follow-up compared to baseline; symptom improvement was greater among participants in the modified compared to the control condition. A secondary analysis indicated symptom improvement did not vary as a function of symptom status (clinical, subclinical), suggesting the program is efficacious in both indicated prevention and treatment applications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results provide preliminary support for the modified dissonance program.
authors.affiliation: Cornell College Body Dissatisfaction and Eating Disorder Research Laboratory.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Green
authors.affiliation: Cornell College Body Dissatisfaction and Eating Disorder Research Laboratory.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Willis
authors.affiliation: Cornell College Body Dissatisfaction and Eating Disorder Research Laboratory.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fernandez-Kong
authors.affiliation: Cornell College Body Dissatisfaction and Eating Disorder Research Laboratory.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Reyes
authors.affiliation: Cornell College Body Dissatisfaction and Eating Disorder Research Laboratory.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Linkhart
authors.affiliation: Cornell College Body Dissatisfaction and Eating Disorder Research Laboratory.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.affiliation: Cornell College Body Dissatisfaction and Eating Disorder Research Laboratory.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Thorne
authors.affiliation: University of Iowa.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lindberg
authors.affiliation: University of Iowa.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kroska
authors.affiliation: University of Iowa.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Woodward
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003073:Cognitive Dissonance; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012938:Social Perception; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: dissonance-based programs; eating disorders; prevention; treatment