LIBER8 design and methods: An integrative intervention for loss of control eating among African American and White adolescent girls

Suzanne E. Mazzeo, Nichole R. Kelly, Marilyn Stern, Allison A. Palmberg, Faye Z. Belgrave, Marian Tanofsky-Kraff, Yael Latzer, Cynthia M. Bulik

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Loss of control (LOC) eating affects a significant number of adolescents of all racial and ethnic backgrounds and is associated with numerous psychosocial problems, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, and weight concerns. However, empirically validated, culturally sensitive treatments for adolescents with these disordered eating behaviors are not available. This pilot project involved designing a developmentally and culturally appropriate treatment for LOC eating for adolescent girls. We intend to conduct multiple focus groups with adolescent girls who engage in LOC eating, and their primary caregivers. Data from these groups will inform the subsequent creation of a manualized treatment protocol. We will then evaluate the efficacy of this intervention (LIBER8-Linking Individuals Being Emotionally Real) to reduce LOC eating. This intervention will integrate components of dialectical behavior therapy, such as mindfulness and distress tolerance skills training, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. We will also integrate text-messaging, a key adolescent communication strategy, as a means of self-monitoring. Participants meeting study criteria will be offered participation in this 12-week randomized controlled trial comparing LIBER8 to a weight management control condition (2BFit). We hypothesize that this intervention will serve to reduce LOC eating, as well as improve psychosocial functioning as evidenced by decreased depression, anxiety, eating disorder cognitions, emotional eating, impulsivity, and improved quality of life. The feasibility and acceptability of this intervention will be extensively evaluated with the explicit intent of informing a subsequent larger randomized controlled trial.

Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)174-185
Number of pages12
JournalContemporary Clinical Trials
Volume34
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2013

Keywords

  • Adolescents
  • African American
  • Binge eating disorder
  • Loss of control
  • Randomized clinical trial
  • Treatment

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Pharmacology (medical)

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