ACT-ED: Randomized Controlled Trial of ACT-Based Eating Disorder Prevention Program

ACT-ED: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Based Eating Disorder Prevention Program

The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate the efficacy of an online group prevention program developed for women at risk for eating disorders with randomized controlled trial.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

• Does the ACT intervention lead to a significant difference in disordered eating behaviors among individuals at risk for eating disorders?
• Does the ACT intervention lead to a significant difference in body dissatisfaction among individuals at risk for eating disorders?
• Does the ACT intervention lead to a significant difference in obsessive-compulsive and borderline personality beliefs among individuals at risk for eating disorders?
• Does body image flexibility significantly affect the impact of the ACT intervention on disordered eating behaviors?
• Do self-as-context, cognitive defusion, and present-moment awareness significantly affect the impact of the ACT intervention on disordered eating behaviors?

Participant will:

Join the online 4-session ACT-based group program Fill the measures at pre-test, post-test and follow-up assessment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being a woman aged 18 years or older
• Exhibiting disordered eating behaviors (EDE-Q score ≥ 3.03)
• Experiencing body dissatisfaction (BSQ-34 score ≥ 110)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current or past diagnosis/treatment for an eating disorder
• Currently receiving psychotherapy
• Currently receiving psychiatric medication (not excluded if there has been no change in treatment in the last 6 months)
• Having chronic psychiatric disorders (e.g. psychosis)
• Having a substance addiction