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Evaluation of a computer‐mediated eating disorder intervention program
Author(s) -
Winzelberg Andrew J.,
Taylor C. Barr,
Sharpe Tamara,
Eldredge Kathleen L.,
Dev Pravati,
Constantinou Philip S.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1098-108x(199812)24:4<339::aid-eat1>3.0.co;2-j
Subject(s) - intervention (counseling) , psychology , eating disorders , psychotherapist , clinical psychology , developmental psychology , psychiatry
Objective This study evaluated an eating disorder intervention multimedia program modeled after self‐help eating disorder treatment programs. It was hypothesized that women who completed the program would increase their body satisfaction and decrease their preoccupation with weight and frequency of disordered eating behaviors. Method Participants were 57 undergraduate females randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. Psychological functioning was assessed at baseline, at 3 months postintervention, and at 3 months follow‐up. Results Intervention group subjects significantly improved their scores on all psychological measures over time. When compared to the control group, however, only the intervention group's improvements on the Body Shape Questionnaire were statistically significant. Discussion This study has demonstrated that minimally effective eating disorder intervention programs can be delivered. A revised program that eliminates interface problems and increases the structure of the intervention is likely to be even better received and more effective. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 24: 339–349, 1998.