Cognitive training via mobile app for addressing eating disorder-related cognitions in the general adolescent population: Randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: Eating disorders (EDs), including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, are complex, distressing and debilitating disorders that affect a significant proportion of adolescents. Maladaptive beliefs about eating and body image are well-established cognitive risk factors for the development and maintenance of EDs; therefore, targeting these beliefs is an important component of prevention programs. This randomized trial evaluated the effects of a cognitive behavioral framework-based mobile application designed to reduce vulnerability to EDs by targeting associated maladaptive beliefs. METHOD: A non-clinical sample of adolescents (n = 93; Mage = 13.9; 56 girls) was randomized to use a mobile application targeting maladaptive beliefs related to EDs for approximately 5 min a day during a 2-week period. The non-active control group used the same app, for the same period of time but with neutral content. Maladaptive belief related to EDs, ED symptoms, body satisfaction and self-esteem were measured at baseline (T1), immediately after two weeks of mobile application use (T2), and at 1-month follow-up (T3). RESULTS: Data obtained indicated that relative to those in the control condition, adolescents that used the application demonstrated a decrease in some ED-related maladaptive beliefs and symptoms. These effects were small-to-medium size and were maintained at 1-month. No significant effects were found regarding depression, body satisfaction or self-esteem. CONCLUSION: These results underscore the potential usefulness of brief, low-intensity, mobile interventions in reducing vulnerability to EDs in the adolescent population.