Exploring the integration of behavioural experiments into eating disorders treatment

Abstract

This dissertation explores the value and usefulness of behavioural experiments in the treatment of eating disorders. The dissertation is presented as two components: • Section One: A literature review • Section Two: A journal manuscript The literature review provides background on the characteristics, aetiology and prevalence of eating disorders, empirical evidence of current treatment approaches, and empirical evidence of the efficacy of behavioural experiments. The review also details the role of maladaptive assumptions and beliefs on the development and maintenance of eating disorders, specifically for the purpose of highlighting the need for further investigation into the treatment potential of behavioural experiments. The findings of the literature review informed the conceptualization and design of the research study, a qualitative study with an exploratory approach. Qualitative data in the form of Behavioural Experiment – Practical Food Group record sheets were analysed to investigate the value and usefulness of behavioural experiments in the treatment of eating disorders. The second section of this dissertation is a journal manuscript of the research study. It contains the findings of the study and the clinical implications of this research. This research manuscript will be submitted to the Journal of Eating Disorders.