Online Compassion Focused Therapy for overeating: Feasibility and acceptability pilot study

Abstract

ObjectiveThis pilot study aims to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of online Compassion Focused Therapy for overeating (CFT‐OE).MethodEighteen Portuguese women seeking treatment for overeating were enrolled in this study, and 15 participants completed the CFT‐OE. This was a single‐arm study. Participants were assessed at pre‐ and post‐intervention and 3‐month follow‐up. All participants completed measures assessing binge eating, cognitive restraint, uncontrolled eating, emotional eating, general eating psychopathology, general and body shame, self‐criticism, self‐compassion, and fears of self‐compassion.ResultsThe treatment attrition rate was 16.7%, which is relatively low compared to other similar online interventions. Participants gave positive feedback on the program and indicated they would recommend it to people with similar difficulties. CFT‐OE improved self‐compassion and reduced eating psychopathology symptoms, general and body shame, self‐criticism, and fears of self‐compassion. Clinical significance analysis showed that the majority of participants were classified as in recovery in all measures at post‐intervention and 3‐month follow‐up.DiscussionPreliminary results suggest that the online CFT‐OE program is an acceptable and feasible intervention. Results also suggest that CFT‐OE is beneficial for the treatment of women with difficulties with overeating. A future randomized controlled trial is necessary to establish the effectiveness of the CFT‐OE.Public significanceThis study indicates that online CFT‐OE is a feasible and adequate intervention for women who struggle with overeating. This therapy showed promising results in reducing eating disorder symptoms, shame, and self‐criticism and improving self‐compassion. As an online intervention, CFT‐OE may be more accessible and offer an alternative to in‐person therapy.