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Brief cognitive behavioural therapy for extreme shape concern: An evaluation
Author(s) -
Shafran Roz,
Farrell Claire,
Lee Michelle,
Fairburn Christopher G.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
british journal of clinical psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.479
H-Index - 92
eISSN - 2044-8260
pISSN - 0144-6657
DOI - 10.1348/014466508x360755
Subject(s) - cognition , intervention (counseling) , psychology , relaxation (psychology) , cognitive therapy , clinical psychology , multiple baseline design , significant difference , medicine , psychiatry , social psychology
Objectives This study was designed to evaluate a new brief cognitive‐behavioural intervention to reduce concerns about body shape. Design Women with high levels of shape concern ( N = 50) were randomly assigned to cognitive behaviour therapy or applied relaxation (AR). Baseline assessments were made and then women received their treatment immediately after this assessment, (‘immediate’ treatment) or 5 weeks after this assessment, during which time no treatment was given (‘delayed’ treatment, DT). Methods Shape concern and related cognitions and emotions were assessed at baseline, post‐treatment and at 4 and 12 week follow‐up (FU). Results Immediate treatment was superior to DT in reducing shape concerns, and this difference was maintained at 4 week FU. The cognitive behavioural intervention was more effective than AR in changing shape concern and this difference was largely maintained for 3 months. Conclusions These initial findings support the further investigation of this brief intervention.