Adaptation and evaluation of an internet-based prevention program for eating disorders in a sample of women with subclinical eating disorder symptoms: A pilot study

OBJECTIVE: Women reporting subclinical eating disorder (ED) symptoms are at higher risk for the development of an ED. Preventive interventions should therefore be specifically tailored for this subgroup. Accordingly, the aim of this pilot study was to test the feasibility of the adapted Internet-based prevention program "Student Bodies™" for women with subclinical ED and to obtain effect size and sample size estimates for a subsequent randomized controlled trial. METHOD: Twenty-two women with subclinical ED participated in the 8-week intervention; pre-post data are available for 12 women. Measures of ED symptoms and established risk factors, such as weight and shape concerns, were assessed at preand post-intervention. RESULTS: Completers' adherence and appraisal of the program were good. At post-intervention, completers reported significantly fewer ED symptoms and reduced weight and shape concerns. Pre-post-effect sizes ranged from medium to large. CONCLUSION: The pilot study showed the feasibility of the adapted online intervention and gave indications for its effectiveness. ©2011, Editrice Kurtis.