Improvements in Quality of Life and Readiness for Change After Participating in an Eating Disorder Psychoeducation Group: A Pilot Study

Int J Group Psychother. 2024 Jul;74(3):268-303. doi: 10.1080/00207284.2024.2341293. Epub 2024 May 10.

Abstract

Psychoeducation groups are an integral part of eating disorder treatment in community programs, yet research on their efficacy remains limited. This study examines the impact of participating in a 10-week psychoeducation group on changes in quality of life and in readiness and motivation. Seventy-five adults who had eating disorders were included in the study. We administered the Eating Disorder Quality of Life Scale (EDQLS) and Readiness and Motivation Questionnaire (RMQ) before and after the group. After participation, respondents reported an 11-point increase in the EDQLS score and 9-, 8-, and 9-point increases, respectively, in the total action, confidence, and internality components of the RMQ score. In group exit evaluations, participants reported that the psychoeducation group improved their quality of life and their readiness and motivation to recover.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders* / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation*
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Pilot Projects
  • Psychotherapy, Group* / methods
  • Quality of Life*
  • Young Adult