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Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating AcceptME-A Digital Gamified Acceptance and Commitment Early Intervention Program for Individuals at High Risk for Eating Disorders.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Karekla, M; Nikolaou, P; Merwin, RM
Published in: J Clin Med
March 23, 2022

Eating disorders (ED) constitute a serious public health issue affecting predominantly women and appearing typically in adolescence or early adulthood. EDs are extremely difficult to treat, as these disorders are ego-syntonic, and many patients do not seek treatment. It is vital to focus on the development of successful early-intervention programs for individuals presenting at risk and are on a trajectory towards developing EDs. This study is a randomized controlled trial evaluating an innovative digital gamified Acceptance and Commitment early-intervention program (AcceptME) for young females showing signs and symptoms of an ED and at high risk for an ED. Participants (n = 92; Mage = 15.30 years, SD = 2.15) received either AcceptME (n = 62) or a waitlist control (n = 30). Analyses indicated that the AcceptME program effectively reduced weight and shape concerns with large effects when compared to waitlist controls. Most participants scored below the at-risk cut-off (WCS score < 52) in the AcceptME at end-of-intervention (57.1%) compared to controls (7.1%), with odds of falling into the at-risk group being 14.5 times higher for participants in the control group. At follow-up, 72% of completers reported scores below the at-risk cut-off in the AcceptME group. The intervention also resulted in a decrease in ED symptomatology and increased body image flexibility. Overall, results suggest that the AcceptME program holds promise for early-intervention of young women at risk for developing an ED.

Duke Scholars

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Published In

J Clin Med

DOI

ISSN

2077-0383

Publication Date

March 23, 2022

Volume

11

Issue

7

Location

Switzerland

Related Subject Headings

  • 32 Biomedical and clinical sciences
  • 1103 Clinical Sciences
 

Published In

J Clin Med

DOI

ISSN

2077-0383

Publication Date

March 23, 2022

Volume

11

Issue

7

Location

Switzerland

Related Subject Headings

  • 32 Biomedical and clinical sciences
  • 1103 Clinical Sciences