Acceptance and commitment therapy versus cognitive therapy for the treatment of comorbid eating pathology

Behav Modif. 2010 Mar;34(2):175-90. doi: 10.1177/0145445510363472.

Abstract

Previous research has indicated that although eating pathology is prevalent in college populations, both CBT and non-CBT-based therapies achieve only limited effectiveness. The current study examined several questions related to the treatment of eating pathology within the context of a larger randomized controlled trial that compared standard CBT (i.e., Beck's cognitive therapy; CT) with acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT; Hayes, 2004).The results indicated that the two treatments were differentially effective at reducing eating pathology. Specifically, CT produced modest decreases in eating pathology whereas ACT produced large decreases. In addition, a weaker suggestion emerged that ACT was more effective than CT at increasing clinician-rated global functioning among those with eating pathology. These findings suggest that ACT is a useful treatment for disordered eating and potentially, for eating disorders per se.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Treatment Outcome