Senra, Hugo ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8054-6473, Duarte, Cristiana ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6566-273X, Carvalho, Sérgio A., Simões, Luís, Ferreira, Cláudia, Palmeira, Lara, Matos, Marcela, Cunha, Marina, Castilho, Paula, Sousa, Bruno, Cordeiro, Luis and Pinto‐Gouveia, José (2025) eBEfree : Combining Psychoeducation, Mindfulness, and Self‐Compassion in an App‐Based Psychological Intervention to Manage Binge‐Eating Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial. International Journal of Eating Disorders.

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective

To develop and test the effectiveness of the eBEfree program, a 12‐session app‐based version of a previously tested psychological intervention (BEfree) that combines psycho‐education, self‐compassion, mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to reduce binge‐eating symptoms.
Method

Two‐hundred participants with recurrent elevated binge‐eating symptoms and a higher body weight were enrolled in a remote parallel‐group randomized trial, of which 142 completed the initial assessment (70 in the intervention group). The end‐of‐treatment and follow‐up assessments were conducted 12 weeks after the initial assessment and 26 weeks after the end of treatment, respectively. Intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analyzes were undertaken using frequentist linear mixed models and Bayesian hierarchical models to test the intervention effectiveness.
Results

43 (waitlist control) and 29 (intervention) participants completed the end‐of‐treatment assessment, showing a high attrition rate (51%). ITT analyzes showed the eBEfree program to be associated with a significant reduction in binge eating symptomatology from baseline to end‐of‐treatment ( β = −9.49, ρ < 0.0001, g = −1.17), and from end‐of‐treatment to 26‐weeks follow‐up ( β = −6.01, ρ = 0.04, g = −1.08). At end‐of‐treatment, the intervention was also associated with a decrease in body mass index and depression symptomatology, as well as an improvement in dimensions of self‐criticism and mindfulness. More than 80% of participants rated the quality of the program as positive and helpful.
Discussion

This trial suggests potential benefits of the eBEfree program to help individuals manage symptoms of binge‐eating more effectively, reduce weight, and improve well‐being and mental health. The intervention benefits should be confirmed in future larger trials.
Public Significance

Treating binge‐eating (BE) symptoms and associated comorbidities might be challenging for mental health services. Digital and app‐based interventions can be a valuable resource to help people manage symptoms and improve well‐being and mental health. The current trial suggests the potential benefits of an app‐based intervention (eBEfree program) to help people reduce BE symptoms and develop psychological strategies to promote well‐being and mental health.

Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov : NCT04101032 (“eBEfree—an ICT Adaptation of BEfree”)

Item Type:	Article
Status:	Published
DOI:	10.1002/eat.24432
School/Department:	School of Science, Technology and Health
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/11924

University Staff: Request a correction | RaY Editors: Update this record