A Mindful Eating Group as an Adjunct to Individual Treatment for Eating Disorders: A Pilot Study

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate potential benefits of a Mindful Eating Group as an adjunct to long-term treatment for a variety of eating disorders. Individuals (N = 33) attending treatment at an outpatient treatment facility participated in the 10-week intervention designed to enhance awareness around hunger and satiety cues. Disordered eating symptoms were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the EAT-26. Significant reductions were found on all subscales of the EAT-26 with large effect sizes. No significant differences were identified between eating disorder diagnoses. Results suggest potential benefits of an adjunct mindfulness group intervention when treating a variety of eating disorders. Limitations are discussed.

Mindfulness-Based Group Approach for Undergraduate Students with Disordered Eating or Body Image Issues: A Case Study

“…Pre-and post-group Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26) scores, which evaluated dieting, food preoccupation and oral control, revealed statistically significant reductions in these domains (Hepworth, 2011). Results are indicative of the benefits of a mindfulness-based eating awareness group as an adjunct to outpatient treatment with patients presenting with varying ED symptomatology (Hepworth, 2011). However, past research has indicated that aspects of psychological well-being, such as quality of life (QOL) may be a better indicator of change than the evaluation of physiological constructs, such as those encompassed by EAT-26 (Hepworth & Paxton, submitted).…”

“…Thus, the use of an alternate measurement tool is warranted in future studies. In addition, with previous research citing the effectiveness of mindfulness in enhancing emotional regulation (Baer et al, 2005;Smith, Shelley, Leahigh, & Vanleit, 2006), Hepworth (2011) chose a different focus, which aimed to improve the recognition of hunger and satiety cues, and use of mindfulness surrounding the relationship between food and feelings. Hepworth (2011) proposed that future studies continue to place emphasis on such topics.…”

“…Working with six groups, each comprised of three to nine participants, Hepworth (2011) applied mindfulness principles of dialectical behavioral therapy and the work of Kausman (1998), which included the exploration of dieting, the concept of "non-hungry" eating, and eating awareness using nutrition knowledge and intuition cues. Pre-and post-group Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26) scores, which evaluated dieting, food preoccupation and oral control, revealed statistically significant reductions in these domains (Hepworth, 2011). Results are indicative of the benefits of a mindfulness-based eating awareness group as an adjunct to outpatient treatment with patients presenting with varying ED symptomatology (Hepworth, 2011).…”

“…Recent years have witnessed a growing interest in the application of mindfulness-based interventions as a treatment for EDs, including AN (Heffner, Sperry, Eiferts, & Detweiler, 2002), BN (Safer, Telch, & Agras, 2001;Proulx, 2008), and BED (Safer, Lock, & Couturier, 2007;Kristeller & Hallett, 1999;Baer, Fischer, & Huss, 2005), with results demonstrating effectiveness in eating disorder (ED) symptom reduction. Hepworth (2011) conducted an influential study in the area of mindfulness-based eating awareness and its application as an adjunct to outpatient ED treatment. Working with six groups, each comprised of three to nine participants, Hepworth (2011) applied mindfulness principles of dialectical behavioral therapy and the work of Kausman (1998), which included the exploration of dieting, the concept of "non-hungry" eating, and eating awareness using nutrition knowledge and intuition cues.…”

“…Hepworth (2011) conducted an influential study in the area of mindfulness-based eating awareness and its application as an adjunct to outpatient ED treatment. Working with six groups, each comprised of three to nine participants, Hepworth (2011) applied mindfulness principles of dialectical behavioral therapy and the work of Kausman (1998), which included the exploration of dieting, the concept of "non-hungry" eating, and eating awareness using nutrition knowledge and intuition cues. Pre-and post-group Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26) scores, which evaluated dieting, food preoccupation and oral control, revealed statistically significant reductions in these domains (Hepworth, 2011).…”