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The Cardinal Edge

Program/Event

Undergraduate research Showcase Spring 2024

Abstract

Given the high mortality and relapse rates associated with anorexia nervosa, and the limited efficacy of existing treatments, especially those utilized (Peterson, et al., 2016), recent research has highlighted the potential of digital programs to address these barriers and enhance treatment engagement (Stewart, et al., 2021). Purpose: To investigate whether higher engagement throughout treatment is related to less eating disorder behaviors though a digital treatment program. Hypothesis: Participants with higher levels of engagement in treatment will report fewer eating disorder behaviors posttreatment. Methods: Participants (N = 10; Mage = 32.3, SD = 2.78) were diagnosed with active anorexia nervosa (50%), partial remission anorexia nervosa (40%) or full remission anorexia nervosa (10%). Most identified as female (80%), White (80%), and non-Hispanic (100%). Engagement was measured via the number of total homework assignments completed (mostly independently conducted exposure exercises) throughout treatment. The primary outcome measure was the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire 6.0 (EDE-Q 6), which assesses eating disorder behaviors across four subscales. A linear regression analysis was conducted to determine whether homework adherence predicted lower EDE-Q 6 scores post-treatment. Results: Results indicated that while homework adherence predicted 5.3% of the variance in EDE-Q 6 scores, (F(1,8) = 0.45, p = .523), these findings were not statistically significant. While not statistically significant, completion of one additional HW is expected to be associated with a decrease of 0.04 EDEQ-6 score (b = -0.36, t = -0.67, p = .523). Discussion: Despite the lack of statistical significance, these findings suggest a potential relationship between treatment homework adherence and lower eating disorder behaviors, and that digital eating disorder treatment may be efficacious. Further, findings emphasize the importance of digital treatment research within larger and more diverse samples.

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