Self-Guided Psychological Interventions for the Treatment and Prevention of Eating Disorders: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Self-guided interventions may broaden the dissemination of evidence-based prevention and treatment protocols for eating disorders. We conducted a meta-analysis comparing self-guided prevention and treatment approaches for eating disorders to (1) control groups and (2) professionally guided self-help programs.

Methods

Forty-six trials were included. Interventions ranged from web, to app, to CD-ROM to book-based programs. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted on numerous symptom and risk outcomes.

Results

Only four trials recruited an unselected sample, with self-guided programs reducing shape/weight concerns over control groups (g = 0.18). Among high risk/symptomatic samples (k = 25), self-guided interventions reduced several behavioural and cognitive

SUBMITTER: Linardon J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12319140 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature