Effectiveness of Group EFT for Transdiagnostic Eating Disorders/Difficulties Within Student Counselling Services.
This study is exploring a type of group therapy called Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) for university students who are struggling with eating disorders or difficulties with eating, weight, and body image. EFT helps people understand and manage their feelings better. While some studies show EFT can help, it hasn't been properly tested in university settings. We want to find out if this group therapy can be successfully offered through university counselling, if students find it helpful, and if it improves their mental health and wellbeing. Taking part is voluntary and involves answering questions about your feelings and eating habits.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is all about trying a new approach to help university students who are facing challenges with eating, weight, or their body image. It focuses on a type of talking therapy called Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT). The main idea behind EFT is to help people understand, explore, and learn to handle difficult emotions more effectively. Many experts believe that by addressing these emotions, individuals can improve their overall mental health and solve other problems they might be facing.
We know that EFT has been successful in helping people with various difficulties, including eating disorders, in different settings. However, it hasn't been looked at closely within university counselling services, where lots of students get support. This study aims to fill that gap. We want to see if offering EFT in a group setting at a university counselling service is practical, if students find it helpful and easy to access, and most importantly, if it actually improves their mental health and wellbeing regarding eating difficulties.
By taking part, you would be helping us understand if this type of group therapy could become a regular, effective way for universities to support students. This research is really important because it could lead to better and more widely available help for students struggling with these kinds of issues, making a real difference to their university experience and future health.
Key takeaways
- Exploring group therapy (EFT) for students with eating concerns.
- Aims to improve mental health and wellbeing.
- Participation is voluntary, you can leave anytime.
- You might get therapy or be in a comparison group.
- Involves questionnaires to track progress.
- Helps shape future support for students.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for university students aged 18 or over who are currently experiencing an eating disorder or have concerns about their eating, weight, or body shape. You should also be able to understand and speak English well enough for talking therapy. Your Body Mass Index (BMI) needs to be above 15kg/m2 to make sure you're medically stable enough to take part.
You won't be able to join if you are already having one-on-one or group talking therapy for similar issues at the same time. Also, if you have severe risks to your mental health, such as active plans to harm yourself, if you experience psychosis, have alcohol or drug addiction, pose a risk to others, are pregnant, or have a learning disability that would make it hard to take part in therapy, this study might not be suitable for you.
- Are you a university student aged 18 or older?
- Do you have concerns about eating, weight, or body shape?
- Can you understand and speak English well enough for therapy?
- Is your Body Mass Index (BMI) above 15kg/m2?
- Are you not currently in other similar talking therapy?
- Do you feel generally stable and not at high risk mentally?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll first have a screening session to check if the study is right for you. If you meet the criteria, you will then be randomly put into one of two groups, just like flipping a coin. You have an equal chance of being in either group. One group will take part in the group Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) sessions. The other group will not have the EFT sessions during the study period. Both groups will be asked to fill out questionnaires at the beginning and again at the end of the study. This helps us compare how people feel and think over time, whether they had the therapy or not. Your participation is valuable no matter which group you're in, as answering the questionnaires helps us understand the impact.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Canterbury Christ Church UniversityRoyal Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)?
EFT is a type of talking therapy that helps you understand, explore, and change difficult emotions to improve your feelings and solve problems.
Will I definitely get the group therapy?
Not necessarily. You'll be randomly assigned to either the group therapy or a comparison group, like drawing lots. Both groups help us with the study.
How long will the study last?
The study involves filling out questionnaires at the beginning and end, and if you're in the therapy group, you'll attend group sessions for a set period. The exact duration of therapy isn't specified here, but the questionnaire part would span over the therapy period.
What if I feel worse during the study?
You can withdraw from the study at any time if you feel unwell or uncomfortable. Your wellbeing is the most important thing.
Is my information kept private?
Yes, all your information will be kept confidential and private, meaning only the research team will see it, and it won't be shared with anyone else without your permission.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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