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Compassionate Attention and Regulation of Eating Behaviour: A pilot study of a brief low‐intensity intervention for binge eating

Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy

Published online on

Abstract

A low‐intensity 4‐week intervention that included components of compassion, mindfulness, and acceptance was delivered to women diagnosed with binge eating disorder. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 conditions: intervention (n = 11) or waiting list control (n = 9). Participants in the intervention condition were invited to practise mindfulness, soothing rhythm breathing, and compassionate imagery practices with a focus on awareness and acceptance of emotional states and triggers to binge eating and engagement in helpful actions. Results revealed that, in the intervention group, there were significant reductions in eating psychopathology symptoms, binge eating symptoms, self‐criticism, and indicators of psychological distress; there were significant increases in compassionate actions and body image‐related psychological flexibility. Data suggest that developing compassion and acceptance competencies may improve eating behaviour and psychological well‐being in individuals with binge eating disorder. Key practitioner message A low‐intensity 4‐week intervention for BED was tested. The intervention included components of compassion, mindfulness, and acceptance. Results showed efficacy in reduced binge eating and eating psychopathology. Participants showed reductions in self‐criticism and psychological distress. Participants increased in self‐compassion and body image psychological flexibility.