Brief cognitive behavioural therapy for extreme shape concern: an evaluation.

Journal article

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to evaluate a new brief cognitive-behavioural intervention to reduce concerns about body shape. DESIGN: Women with high levels of shape concern (N=50) were randomly assigned to cognitive behaviour therapy or applied relaxation (AR). Baseline assessments were made and then women received their treatment immediately after this assessment, ('immediate' treatment) or 5 weeks after this assessment, during which time no treatment was given ('delayed' treatment, DT). METHODS: Shape concern and related cognitions and emotions were assessed at baseline, post-treatment and at 4 and 12 week follow-up (FU). RESULTS: Immediate treatment was superior to DT in reducing shape concerns, and this difference was maintained at 4 week FU. The cognitive behavioural intervention was more effective than AR in changing shape concern and this difference was largely maintained for 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: These initial findings support the further investigation of this brief intervention.

Authors: Shafran, R; Farrell, C; Lee, M; Fairburn, C

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: British journal of clinical psychology / the British Psychological Society
• Volume: 48
• Issue: Pt 1
• Pages: 79-92
• Publication date: 2009-03-01
• DOI: 10.1348/014466508x360755
• ISSN: 0144-6657
• Language: English
• Keywords: Adult; Mental Disorders; Cognition; Body Image; Young Adult; Great Britain; Humans; Adolescent; Adaptation, Psychological; Female; Middle Aged; Follow-Up Studies; Depressive Disorder; Relaxation; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Cognitive Therapy; Severity of Illness Index; Analysis of Variance; Emotions; Time