An interactive internet-based intervention for women at risk of eating disorders: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The Internet serves as a potentially effective method of treatment delivery through widespread education and interaction via synchronous Internet relay chat (IRC). The current study explores the feasibility of IRC in the delivery of an eating disorders prevention intervention. METHOD: This small pilot study describes the delivery of an efficacious eating disorder treatment using a novel medium. The on-line sessions are based on cognitive-behavioral treatment and are facilitated by a moderator. In addition to feasibility, preliminary evidence of acceptability and efficacy for an on-line intervention with college-aged women is reported. RESULTS: Results indicate that IRC is an acceptable and feasible format for treatment delivery. In addition, descriptive and qualitative data suggest that this method of treatment delivery is potentially effective. DISCUSSION: This pilot study provides increased knowledge of the viability of treatment delivery over the Internet, specifically, a psychoeducational IRC for eating disorder prevention.

Reducing risk factors for eating disorders: targeting at-risk women with a computerized psychoeducational program.

OBJECTIVE: This controlled study evaluated whether an 8-week program offered over the Internet would significantly decrease body image dissatisfaction, disordered eating patterns, and preoccupation with shape/weight among women at high risk for developing an eating disorder. METHOD: Fifty-six college women were recruited on the basis of elevated scores (> or =110) on the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). Psychological functioning, as measured by the Eating Disorder Inventory Drive for Thinness (EDI-DT) subscale, Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q), and the BSQ, was assessed at baseline, posttreatment, and at 10-week follow-up. RESULTS: All participants improved over time on most measures, although effect sizes suggest that the program did impact the intervention group. DISCUSSION: Findings suggest that technological interventions may be helpful for reducing disordered eating patterns and cognitions among high-risk women. Future research is needed to assess whether such programs are effective over time for prevention of and reduction in eating disorder symptomatology.