An Exploratory Study of a Meditation-based Intervention for Binge Eating Disorder
Jean L. Kristeller, C. Brendan Hallett
Journal of Health Psychology May 1, 1999 DOI: 10.1177/135910539900400305 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Single-group extended baseline design Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 18 |
| Population | Obese women with Binge Eating Disorder |
| Interventions | meditation-based group intervention standard and eating-specific mindfulness meditation exercises |
| Duration | 6-week intervention, with follow-up at 1, 3, and 6 weeks post-intervention |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 681 |
| Key points | Binge frequency decreased from 4.02 to 1.57 per week, and measures of binge severity, depression, and anxiety all improved significantly. |
Abstract
The efficacy of a 6-week meditation-based group intervention for Binge Eating Disorder (BED) was evaluated in 18 obese women, using standard and eating-specific mindfulness meditation exercises. A single-group extended baseline design assessed all variables at 3 weeks pre-and post-, and at 1, 3, and 6 weeks; briefer assessment occurred weekly.Binges decreased in frequency, from 4.02/week to 1.57/week (p < .001), and in severity. Scores on the Binge Eating Scale (BES) and on the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories decreased significantly; sense of control increased. Time using eatingrelated meditations predicted decreases on the BES (r 5 .66, p < .01). Results suggest that meditation training may be an effective component in treating BED.