A COMPARISON OF BEHAVIORAL AND COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS FORBULIMIA-NERVOSA

This study examined the relative efficacy of cognitive-behavioral and behavioral treatment approaches for bulimia nervosa. Female bulimic Ss were randomly assigned to cognitive-behavioral, behavioral, or attent ion placebo conditions. At posttreatment 92% of the cognitive-behavior al group, 100% of the behavioral group, and 69% of the nonspecific sel f-monitoring group were abstinent from binge eating-purging. At 6-mont h follow-up, 69% of the cognitive-behavioral group, 38% of the behavio ral group, and 15% of the nonspecific self-monitoring group were absti nent from binge eating and purging. The results support the conceptual ization of bulimia nervosa as a multifaceted disorder best treated wit h an approach that directly addresses maladaptive cognitions, problema tic behaviors, and the development of more adaptive coping skills.