Effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on clinical syndrome and body image in women with bulimia nervosa

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of present research was to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on clinical syndrome and body image in women with bulimia nervosa disorder. Materials and Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study with pre-test, post-test, and control group. The study population consisted of all women who referred to two nutrition and diet therapy clinics in Mashhad between February and May 2015, among which 30 women with inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected as the sample using convenience sampling. The 30 participants were randomly assigned to two 15-person groups. The first group received mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and the second group was the control group that was placed on a waiting list. Binge Eating questionnaire (Gormally, 1982), Fisher�s image inventory and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) were used to collect data. Data analysis was conducted using analysis of covariance in SPSS. Results: Based on the test results, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy significantly reduced depression (P<0.05), anxiety (P<0.05) and stress (P<0.05). Furthermore, the therapy increased the body image scores in experimental group compared to the control group at post-test stage (P<0.05).  Conclusion: The results showed that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy reduces depression, anxiety and stress, as well as improves body image in people being treated. Thus, the use of this therapy is recommended for patients with bulimia nervosa.