Actively Recruiting
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Enhanced Cue Exposure Therapy for Negative Emotional Eating
Led by The University of Hong Kong · Updated on 2025-04-06
138
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
26 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Enhanced Cue Exposure Therapy (E-CET) in reducing negative emotional eating (NEE) compared to a behavioral lifestyle intervention (BLI). The study is a randomized controlled trial that also investigates whether changes in conditioned stimulus-unconditioned stimulus (CS-US) expectancies explain the effects of E-CET on NEE. The trial is sponsored by The University of Hong Kong and focuses on adults with disordered eating behaviors, including binge eating. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: the experimental group receiving six weekly sessions of E-CET or the control group receiving six weekly sessions of BLI. E-CET involves in-person therapy sessions with exposures designed to challenge and change expectancies that maintain NEE, including homework exercises conducted in daily life. BLI consists of behavioral counseling focused on dietary changes, goal setting, and relaxation. Both groups receive treatment lasting six weeks. Participants will be assessed at the start, immediately after treatment, and at 3- and 12-month follow-ups. Evaluations include changes in emotional eating measured by the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire and the number of NEE episodes recorded via ecological momentary assessments. Additional measures include caloric intake, external eating behaviors, eating disorder symptoms, body weight, mood, and quality of life. The study monitors treatment progress and relapse prevention over 14 months to understand long-term effects.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Enhanced Cue Exposure Therapy for Negative Emotional Eating
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Aged 18 or over
- A score greater than 3.25 on the emotional eating subscale of the Dutch Eating Behavioural Questionnaire lasting for three months or longer
- Confirmed to have, on average, two or more negative emotional eating episodes per week using ecological momentary assessments (EMAs)
You will not qualify if you...
- Active suicidal intent or plan
- Psychiatric illnesses except mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders
- Currently receiving psychotherapy or adjusting psychiatric medication
- Substance abuse
- Any conditions or circumstances that prevent the participant from receiving all treatment sessions
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 6 weeks
Participants will receive 6 weeks of their assigned treatment: either Enhanced Cue Exposure Therapy or Behavioral Lifestyle Intervention, consisting of weekly sessions.
Weekly visits for 6 weeks
Duration - Up to 12 months after treatment
Participants will be assessed at 3 months and 12 months after treatment to evaluate the lasting effects of the intervention.
2 follow-up visits (in-person or remote)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
The University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
W
Wai Sze Chan, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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