Logo image
Back
Acceptability, Feasibility, and Preliminary Effectiveness of a Mobile App for Teens With or at High Risk for Eating Disorders: A Three-Arm Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Self-Help, Guided Self-Help, and Guided Self-Help With a Social Networking Component
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Acceptability, Feasibility, and Preliminary Effectiveness of a Mobile App for Teens With or at High Risk for Eating Disorders: A Three-Arm Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Self-Help, Guided Self-Help, and Guided Self-Help With a Social Networking Component

Patricia A. Cavazos-Rehg, Ellen E. Fitzsimmons-Craft, Erin Kasson, Hannah S. Szlyk, Xiao Li, Arielle C. Smith, Laura D'Adamo, Daphne Lew and Denise E. Wilfley
The International journal of eating disorders
16 Apr 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.70105
PMID: 41992076

Abstract

Life Sciences & Biomedicine Nutrition & Dietetics Psychology, Clinical Science & Technology Psychiatry Psychology Social Sciences
Objective Given the wide treatment gap for eating disorders (EDs) and that these problems often emerge in adolescence, novel tools, such as app-based interventions, are needed to prevent and treat EDs in teens. However, questions remain about the optimal level of human support and features within these programs that could enhance outcomes (e.g., social networking). We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial of a mobile app for teens with or at high risk for EDs, comparing self-help (control) to guided self-help (GSH) and GSH+ social networking (GSH+). Method N = 148 teens with or at high risk for EDs recruited from social media and an online EDs screen were randomized. Participants had access to their assigned intervention for 3 months and completed surveys at baseline, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Results Teen qualitative feedback illustrated positive perceptions about acceptability and feasibility of the tool and its impact on ED-related thoughts and behaviors. There were no significant differences across groups for the main outcome, global ED psychopathology, but there was a significant reduction for all groups over time (ps < 0.01; d = -0.93 from baseline to 6 months). While all intervention conditions had significant reductions in binge eating behaviors over time, the rate of reduction was greatest in the GSH condition (p < 0.001). Conclusions Overall, our preliminary findings suggest that digital self-help interventions (both unguided and guided) may represent scalable interventions for teens with or at high risk for EDs, with coaching possibly augmenting outcomes for some subgroups.

Metrics

1 Record Views

Details

Logo image