Premium
An initial validation of a self‐help program for bulimia
Author(s) -
Huon Gail F.
Publication year - 1985
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 - 10.1002/1098-108x(198511)4:4<573::aid-eat2260040416>3.0.co;2-0
Subject(s) - receipt , supporter , psychology , set (abstract data type) , bulimia nervosa , clinical psychology , eating disorders , computer science , archaeology , world wide web , history , programming language
As an alternative treatment of bulimia, a self‐administered program was set up, based on effective procedures that had been developed and validated clinically. Bulimics who had replied to an invitation in a popular women's magazine were sent 7 monthly components with information, structured exploration, and task‐oriented suggestions for change in attitudes and behaviors relating to food, to their body, and self‐concepts. Ninety subjects were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (i) receipt of the program components and the offer of support from a “cured” bulimic, who had participated in group therapy for bulimia at the University of New South Wales, (ii) program components plus support from an “improved” bulimic, and (iii) the program components with no additional contact. Another 30 individuals who had agreed to be placed on the waiting list formed an untreated control group. Results of an end‐of‐program assessment, 3‐monthand 6‐month follow‐ups show the efficacy of this self‐help material for helping the majority of the participants to overcome their difficulties relatingto bulimia. Providing additional support produced greater change, irrespective ofthe supporter's own improvement.