Modifying negative self-beliefs in eating disorders - v1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Modifying negative self-beliefs in eating disorders: A single case series using cognitive bias modification.
IRAS ID
199453
Contact name
Catherine Houlihan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 22 days
Research summary
Can cognitive bias modification improve negative self-beliefs and eating disorder symptoms in people with eating disorders?
People with eating disorders often report negative thinking patterns including negative beliefs about themselves. Experiencing these negative beliefs can cause problems with low mood and are also be related to eating disorder symptoms, for example reducing food intake or having a poor body image. By reducing negative self-beliefs it is likely that symptoms of eating disorders can also be reduced, which could ultimately promote recovery from an eating disorder.
“Cognitive bias modification” (CBM) aims to change the way in which we are prone to thinking about things (our ‘cognitive bias’), including the way we think about ourselves. This study will look at whether completing training in CBM that targets negative self-beliefs can improve participants’ eating disorder symptoms and mood in general.
The study will be a case series – looking at a small number (approximately 12) of individual participants’ outcomes after completing CBM training for negative self-beliefs. Participants can take part if they are currently on a waiting-list for treatment for an eating disorder at Cotswold House Eating Disorder Service, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust.
To take part in the study, participants will be asked to complete a series of questionnaires and short tasks that explore their eating disorder symptoms. They will then complete up to 30 minutes of CBM training every day for one week, after which they will complete the original questionnaires and tasks. They will also complete these one month later, so it can be seen whether any changes as a result of the CBM training carry on over time.
The study is being carried out as part of a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Oxford.
REC name
South Central - Oxford A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SC/0178
Date of REC Opinion
1 Jun 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion