Reducing risk factors for eating disorders: Targeting at-risk women with acomputerized psychoeducational program

Objective: This controlled study evaluated whether an 8-week program offere d over the Internet would significantly decrease body image dissatisfaction , disordered eating patterns, and preoccupation with shape/weight among wom en at high risk for developing an eating disorder. Method: Fifty-six colleg e women were recruited on the basis of elevated scores (greater than or equ al to 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, wa s assessed at baseline, posttreatment, and at 10-week follow-up. Results: A ll participants improved over time on most measures, although effect sizes suggest that the program did impact the intervention group. Discussion: Fin dings suggest that technological interventions may be helpful fbr reducing disordered eating patterns and cognitions among high-risk women. Future res earch is needed to assess whether such programs are effective over time for prevention of and reduction in eating disorder symptomatology. (C) 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.