Comparison of face‐to‐face and internet interventions for body image and eating problems in adult women: An RCT

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes following an eight‐session, small group, therapist‐led, intervention for body dissatisfaction, and disordered eating in adult women, delivered either in face‐to‐face or synchronous, internet mode. Method: Community women with high body dissatisfaction and internet access were randomly assigned to either face‐to‐face delivery (N = 42), internet delivery (N = 37), or delayed treatment control (N = 37). All groups were assessed at baseline and 8–9 weeks later. The intervention groups were reassessed at 6‐months follow‐up. Results: Both intervention groups showed large improvements in body dissatisfaction compared with the delayed treatment control and these improvements were maintained at follow‐up. However, posttreatment improvements were greater in the face‐to‐face than internet intervention. Conclusion: In adult women, it is desirable to deliver the body image intervention in a face‐to‐face mode, but the internet mode is effective and has the potential to increase access to therapy. © 2007 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2007