Evaluating the effectiveness of ecological momentary assessment and intervention targeting body checking behaviors

Eat Disord. 2019 Nov-Dec;27(6):521-537. doi: 10.1080/10640266.2018.1560850. Epub 2019 Jan 21.

Abstract

This study investigated the efficacy of using ecological momentary assessment and intervention (EMA/EMI) to target body checking behaviors. Body checking has been shown to increase body dissatisfaction and play a role in eating disorders, but few treatments specifically targeting body checking have been empirically evaluated. Forty-four female undergraduates who reported engaging in frequent body checking behaviors participated in a five-day study wherein they were assessed five times a day via smart phone. On the final two days of the study, intervention messages were sent containing cognitive-behavioral strategies for decreasing body checking. Body checking behaviors increased within each day, but decreased across the five day intervention period. Pretest to posttest analyses found healthy improvements in a number of body image related constructs. These results highlight that 1) body checking appears to increase throughout the day, and 2) targeting body checking behaviors through brief EMA/EMI may be a useful clinical tool.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Body Image*
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy*
  • Ecological Momentary Assessment*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Smartphone
  • Students
  • Young Adult