Single-Session Habit-Based Intervention to Prevent Eating Disorders in Young Adults

What This Trial Is About

Researchers are studying a new single-session intervention SSI designed to prevent eating disorders EDs in young adults aged 18 to 22 years who show high levels of eating pathology. This trial addresses the challenge of delivering accessible prevention programs for EDs, which are serious mental illnesses with high mortality rates and commonly occur in late adolescence and early adulthood. The SSI adapts the Habit Framework to help change eating habits, aiming to reduce risk during a critical period. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups in this online trial. The experimental group receives a 30-minute SSI session including psychoeducation about habit formation and eating disorders, real-life habit examples, common questions, and advice exercises. The control group receives supportive therapy focusing on sharing emotions, involving reading and writing exercises about feelings. Both interventions are delivered at a single timepoint, followed by questionnaires. Throughout the study, participants complete several assessments, including the Eating Attitudes Test, the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, a Self-report Habit Index, and scales measuring hope, hopelessness, and barriers to seeking treatment. Questionnaires are collected at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and up to one month later. Researchers monitor participant responses and adherence through online surveys, aiming to evaluate the interventions impact on eating disorder risk and habits during this follow-up period.

A Single-session Intervention Adaptation of the Habit Framework for the Prevention of Eating Disorders