The primary objective of the current study is to investigate the effectiveness of MCP-ED in a clinical sample of adolescents with an ED. As a result, this study will provide critical information about the potential relevance of implementing MCP-ED…
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Eating disorders and disturbances
Synonym
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
The primary outcome measures are meaning in life (specifically the three
components of meaning: comprehension, purpose and matting) and eating disorder
symptoms. Both are measured by means of a questionnaire, which is completed
twice a week.
Secondary outcome
There are no secondary outcome measures. However, for descriptive purposes and
social validation we will also assess the following variables at baseline,
post-treatment, and follow-ups: presence of meaning in life, meaning in life
derived from the eating disorder, general distress, satisfaction with normative
life domains and intolerance of uncertainty.
Background summary
Low meaning in life has been suggested as an important factor in the
development and persistence of eating disorders. Previous findings suggest that
targeting meaning might optimize treatment effectiveness. In line with this, a
recent randomized controlled trial showed that meaning-centered psychotherapy
for eating disorders (MCP-ED) increased life meaning and decreased eating
disorder symptoms in women with high weight and shape concerns. The aim of the
current study is to extend these findings by examining the effectiveness of
MCP-ED in adolescents with an eating disorder.
Study objective
The primary objective of the current study is to investigate the effectiveness
of MCP-ED in a clinical sample of adolescents with an ED. As a result, this
study will provide critical information about the potential relevance of
implementing MCP-ED as an add-on intervention to the current treatment of EDs.
Primary hypotheses:
• MCP-ED is effective in increasing the three components of meaning in life
(i.e., comprehension, purpose, mattering)
• MCP-ED is effective in decreasing ED symptoms
Study design
This study will use a replicated randomized single-case A-B design. In total,
10 adolescents with an eating disorder will participate in the current study. A
baseline period in which participants follow their usual treatment (TAU) is
compared to an intervention period in which participants also follow six
individual, weekly sessions of MCP-ED (in addition to TAU). The moment of phase
change is determined by randomization.
Intervention
MCP-ED aims to sustain or enhance a sense of meaning. MCP-ED is a manualized
6-week intervention that makes use of theory, exercises, discussions, and
homework assignments that focus on themes related to meaning in life and eating
disorders. Participants follow six weekly one-hour individual sessions, with a
personal trainer. During these sessions, one of the four themes is central:
personal life story, dealing with life's limitations, creating your own life
and experiences. The first two sessions are held at Accare, the other four
sessions will be followed online.
Study burden and risks
Participants complete a short online questionnaire (of 3 minutes) twice a week
for 13 weeks in total, via their telephone or laptop. They will also complete a
longer online questionnaire (of 20 minutes) times, via their telephone or
laptop. In addition, participants follow six sessions of MCP-ED. This study
will take place in addition to regular treatment, so participants' own
treatment will be continued during the entire study. Participation in this
study does not entail any risks.
Grote Kruisstraat 2
Groningen 9712 TS
NL
Grote Kruisstraat 2
Groningen 9712 TS
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
In treatment for an ED at the Department of Eating Disorders of Accare
Have a current formal diagnosis of anorexia nervosa (typical or a-typical),
bulimia nervosa, or other specified feeding and eating disorder (with
characteristics of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa) according to DSM-5
criteria
Aged 14 years or older
Female gender
Being cognitively able to take part in the study, as judged by their therapist
Exclusion criteria
Not being able to speak and read Dutch
Being medically unstable and/or admitted to the hospital
Being in an acute crisis (e.g., due to suicidality or substance abuse)
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL83531.042.22 |