Effect of Aggression Regulation on Eating Disorder Pathology: RCT of a Brief Body and Movement Oriented Intervention

Objective The objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of a brief body and movement oriented intervention on aggression regulation and eating disorder pathology for individuals with eating disorders. Method In a first randomized controlled trial, 40 women were allocated to either the aggression regulation intervention plus supportive contact or a control condition of supportive contact only. The intervention was delivered by a psychomotor therapist. Participants completed questionnaires on anger coping and eating disorder pathology. Independent samples t ‐tests were performed on the difference between pre‐treatment and post‐treatment scores. Results Twenty‐nine participants completed questionnaires at pre‐intervention and post‐intervention. The intervention resulted in a significantly greater improvement of anger coping, as well as of eating disorder pathology. Discussion Results indicate that body and movement‐oriented aggression regulation may be a viable add‐on for treating eating disorders. It tackles a difficult to treat emotion which may have a role in blocking the entire process of treating eating disorders. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.