Feasibility of Teen BodyWise in Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Feasibility and Transferability of “Teen BodyWise”– an Adaptation of a Psycho-educational Group Targeting Body Image in Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa
IRAS ID
143038
Contact name
Juliet K Rosewall
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust
Research summary
Body image disturbance is a core diagnostic feature of eating disorders. Body image issues often persist after treatment and this is associated with increased relapse. The treatment of body image should be emphasised in eating disorder treatment. This research proposal is derived from clinical observation that young people were receiving limited body image intervention within St. George’s Child and Adolescent Eating Disorder Service. Moreover, no research has evaluated the effectiveness of body image interventions in young people with an eating disorder. Modifications have been made to “BodyWise“, an existing psychoeducational body image group designed for adults, to make this more relevant and age appropriate. We are now proposing to measure the transferability and feasibility of this group among a sample of adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa. The group will be run by two members of staff, at least one of whom will be clinically trained. The groups will be formed of no more than six participants and will take place on a weekly basis for 8 weeks across 2 sites: Wisteria Ward and Newbridge House.
The group will cover a range of topics: what is body image, what is normal in terms of body weight and shape, how the media influences perception of our bodies, unhelpful behaviours, identity and physical changes during growth and weight restoration. Patients receiving in−patient treatment for an eating disorder, who have a BMI lower than the healthy weight which is determined by institution (usually 95% W4H) will be eligible to participate, providing they are physically and cognitively able to attend the group. This will be an uncontrolled, within subjects study and will last approximately 1 year. Participants will be expected to attend all 8 1−hour sessions of the group and be required to complete a battery of 8 questionnaires pre and post treatment.
REC name
London - Harrow Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/0224
Date of REC Opinion
31 Mar 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion