Elsevier

Internet Interventions

Volume 2, Issue 4, November 2015, Pages 419-428
Internet Interventions

StudentBodies-eating disorders: A randomized controlled trial of a coached online intervention for subclinical eating disorders

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.invent.2015.10.004Get rights and content
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Abstract

Objective

Eating disorders and subclinical eating disorders are serious and disabling diseases with high prevalence rates on college campuses. Many symptomatic students are never screened nor formally diagnosed with an eating disorder and do not receive mental health treatment.

Method

This pilot study examines the feasibility, acceptability, and short-term efficacy of a 10-week online intervention, StudentBodies-Eating Disorders, designed to reduce eating disorder symptoms, related psychopathology, and weight and shape concerns. A total of 65 participants were randomized to the online intervention or waitlist control.

Results

Results indicate that for study completers, the intervention had large effects for reduction of eating-related psychopathology (d = 1.5), weight concerns (d = .7), and psychosocial impairment (d = .7). Those who completed it rated the program very acceptable. This pilot study suggests the potential efficacy of StudentBodies-Eating Disorders as a self-help intervention for subclinical eating disorders in a non-clinical setting.

Keywords

Eating disorders
Internet
Prevention
Guided self-help
Stepped care
Coaching
College students

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Research Support: This work was partially funded by the 2013 Academy for Eating Disorders Student Research Grant.