Abstract
Low self-esteem is a common feature in Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and has been hypothesised to act as a predisposing, precipitating, and perpetuating factor. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)-based self-esteem group in a naturalistic setting of patients with AN in an inpatient treatment programme. Included in this study were 119 female patients diagnosed with AN, with all participants completing self-report questionnaires before and after the intervention. The group consisted of five to six weekly sessions. The self-esteem group led to a statistically significant improvement in self-esteem, which could not be explained by an increase in BMI alone, suggesting that the group is facilitating positive changes within an AN group. The group also had a small effect on improving patients self-perceived ability to change. These findings suggest that the brief self-esteem group has some benefits in improving patients’ self-esteem/self-efficacy and should be replicated in the future with a control condition to confirm findings.
Highlights
Attempts have been made to explore various group treatment modalities that are effective in improving the symptoms and maintaining factors for patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) [1,2]
The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility of a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)-based self-esteem group in a naturalistic setting of inpatients with AN
It is consistent with previous findings from smaller uncontrolled studies which found that group interventions targeting self-esteem led to improvements in self-esteem among patients with eating disorders, not exclusively
Summary
Attempts have been made to explore various group treatment modalities that are effective in improving the symptoms and maintaining factors for patients with AN [1,2]. It has been recognised that group interventions provide a safe therapeutic setting to learn from others, practice communication skills, and provide psychoeducational and homework materials [5]. Several definitions of self-esteem have been proposed; it can be broadly defined as a positive or negative attitude towards oneself. Fennell (1998) has proposed a cognitive behavioural model that suggests that one’s early life experiences can shape current perceptions of oneself whilst cognitive maintenance cycles make it difficult for the individual to change their. Psychoeducation: Blocks to self-confidence; Introducing the poisoned parrot metaphor for self-critical thoughts
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