Psychology Commons^™

Reducing Self-Objectification: Are Dissonance-Based Methods A Possible Approach?, Carolyn Becker, Kaitlin Hill, Rebecca Greif, Hongmei Han, Tiffany Stewart

Carolyn Becker

Background

Previous research has documented that self-objectification is associated with numerous negative outcomes including body shame, eating disorder (ED) pathology, and negative affect. This exploratory open study investigated whether or not an evidence-based body image improvement program that targets thin-ideal internalization in university women also reduces self-objectification. A second aim of the study was to determine if previous findings showing that body shame mediated the relationship between self-objectification and eating disorder pathology at a single time point (consistent with self-objectification theory) but did not mediate longitudinally (inconsistent with self-objectification theory) would be replicated in a new sample under novel conditions. …

I’M Not Just Fat, I’M Old: Has The Study Of Body Image Talk Overlooked “Old Talk?”, Carolyn Becker, Phillippa Diedrichs, Glen Jankowski, Chelsey Werchan

Carolyn Becker

Background Research indicates that body dissatisfaction is correlated with and often predictive of both physical and mental health problems. “Fat talk,” a well-studied form of body image talk in adolescents and university-aged women, has been implicated as contributing to body dissatisfaction and mediating the relationship between body dissatisfaction and other mental health problems. Limited research, however, has investigated fat talk across the female lifespan. Further, consistent with most body image research, fat talk research solely focuses on the thin dimension of idealized female attractiveness, even though other dimensions may contribute to body dissatisfaction in women. Method The current study investigated …

Eating Disorder Prevention: Current Evidence-Base And Future Directions, Eric Stice, Carolyn Becker, Sonja Yokum

Carolyn Becker

Objective This narrative review sought to (a) characterize prevention programs that have produced reliable, reproducible, and clinically meaningful effects in efficacy trials, (b) discuss effectiveness trials that have tested whether prevention programs produce intervention effects under ecologically valid real-world conditions, (c) discuss dissemination efforts and research on dissemination, and (d) offer suggestions regarding directions for future research in this field. Conclusion A literature revealed that 6 prevention programs have produced significant reductions in eating disorder symptoms through at least 6-month follow-up and that 2 have significantly reduced future eating disorder onset. Effectiveness trials indicate that 2 prevention programs have produced …

A Comparison Of Mindfulness, Nonjudgmental, And Cognitive Dissonance-Based Approaches To Mirror Exposure, Cynthia Luethcke, Leda Mcdaniel, Carolyn Becker

Carolyn Becker

This study compares different versions of mirror exposure (ME), a body image intervention with research support. ME protocols were adapted to maximize control and comparability, and scripted for delivery by research assistants. Female undergraduates (N = 168) were randomly assigned to receive mindfulness-based (MB; n = 58), nonjudgmental (NJ; n = 55), or cognitive dissonance-based (CD, n = 55) ME. Participants completed the Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire (BIAQ), Body Checking Questionnaire (BCQ), Satisfaction with Body Parts Scale (SBPS), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 1-month follow-up. Mixed models ANOVAs revealed a significant …

Specificity Of The Social Interaction Self-Statement Test In Social Phobia, Carolyn Becker, Nicole Namour, Claudia Zayfert, Mark Hegel

Carolyn Becker

The specificity of the Social Interaction Self-Statement Test (SISST) was evaluated in sample of 277 patients seeking treatment for anxiety. Both the positive and negative scales significantly discriminated between patients diagnosed with social phobia and other anxiety disorder patients. Patients with social phobia scored significantly higher on the negative scale and significantly lower on the positive scale as compared with other treatment-seeking anxiety disorder patients. Negative SISST scores were significantly correlated with the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The positive scale was significantly correlated with the BDI. Despite this relationship, differences in BAI and BDI scores …

Dissonance-Based Interventions For The Prevention Of Eating Disorders: Using Persuasion Principles To Promote Health, Eric Stice, Heather Shaw, Carolyn Becker, Paul Rohde

Carolyn Becker

The limited efficacy of prior eating disorder (ED) prevention programs led to the development of dissonance-based interventions (DBI) that utilize dissonance-based persuasion principles from social psychology. Although DBIs have been used to change other attitudes and behaviors, only recently have they been applied to ED prevention. This article reviews the theoretical rationale and empirical support for this type of prevention program. Relative to assessment-only controls, DBIs have produced greater reductions in ED risk factors, ED symptoms, future risk for onset of threshold or subthreshold EDs, future risk for obesity onset, and mental health utilization, with some effects persisting through 3-year …

Changing The Course Of Comorbid Eating Disorders And Depression: What Is The Role Of Public Health Interventions In Targeting Shared Risk Factors?, Carolyn Becker, Maribel Plasencia, Lisa Smith Kilpela, Morgan Briggs, Tiffany Stewart

Carolyn Becker

Public health has a productive history of improving global health due to its focus on reaching large populations using effective and scalable interventions. Yet, the marriage between evidence-based science and the implementation of community/public health interventions within mental illness remains underdeveloped. Research suggests that major depression is the most commonly cited comorbidity for eating disorders (EDs). Thus, identification of public health strategies that jointly impact depression and EDs, including shared risk factors, has the potential to significantly impact mental health suffering. The primary aim of this paper is to examine and discuss such public health approaches as well as explore …

Law Enforcement Preferences For Ptsd Treatment And Crisis Management Alternatives, Carolyn Becker, Glenn Meyer, John Price, Melissa Graham, Ashley Arsena, David Armstrong, Elizabeth Ramon

Carolyn Becker

Evidence-based treatments (EBT) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remain underutilized. Analog research, however, indicates that patients may be more amenable to receiving EBT for PTSD than utilization rates suggest. This study sought to extend previous studies by investigating PTSD treatment preferences among law enforcement individuals (i.e., active duty officers, cadets, criminal justice students). We asked 379 participants, with varying trauma histories, to read a police traumatic event and imagine they had developed PTSD. Participants rated the credibility of six treatment options which they might encounter in a treatment setting, and chose their most and least preferred treatments. Next, they evaluated …

Peer-Facilitated Cognitive Dissonance Versus Healthy Weight Eating Disorders Prevention: A Randomized Comparison, Carolyn Becker, Chantale Wilson, Allison Williams, Mackenzie Kelly, Leda Mcdaniel, Joanna Elmquist

Carolyn Becker

Research supports the efficacy of both cognitive dissonance (CD) and healthy weight (HW) eating disorders prevention, and indicates that CD can be delivered by peer-facilitators, which facilitates dissemination. This study investigated if peer-facilitators can deliver HW when it is modified for their use and extended follow-up of peer-facilitated CD as compared to previous trials. Based on pilot data, we modified HW (MHW) to facilitate peer delivery, elaborate benefits of the healthy-ideal, and place greater emphasis on consuming nutrient dense foods. Female sorority members (N=106) were randomized to either two 2-hour sessions of CD or MHW. Participants completed assessment pre- and …

Peer Facilitated Eating Disorder Prevention: A Randomized Effectiveness Trial Of Cognitive Dissonance And Media Advocacy, Carolyn Becker, Lisa Smith, Anna Ciao

Carolyn Becker

This study investigated the effectiveness of two interventions in reducing eating disorder risk factors under naturalistic conditions in sororities. Based on previous research, the campus sororities chose to implement a semi-mandatory, two-session eating disorder prevention program to all new sorority members (N=90) during sorority orientation. To facilitate evaluation, sororities agreed to random assignment of new members to either a cognitive dissonance or media advocacy intervention. Undergraduate peer facilitators ran the groups. Although both interventions had an effect, cognitive dissonance generally was superior at eight-month followup. Results further support the utility of cognitive dissonance in reducing eating disorder risk factors, and …

Effectiveness Of Peer-Led Eating Disorders Prevention: A Replication Trial, Carolyn Becker, Stephanie Bull, Katherine Schaumberg, Adele Cauble, Amanda Franco

Carolyn Becker

The aim of this study was to replicate and extend results of a previous trial that investigated the effectiveness of two peer-led eating disorders prevention interventions on reducing eating disorder risk factors in undergraduate women (Becker, Smith & Ciao, 2006). In order to extend findings from the previous study by allowing for investigation of differential response, we randomly assigned a larger sample of both higher- and lower-risk sorority members (N = 188; age M = 18.64, range = 18-21; 20% minority) to either a cognitive dissonance (CD) or a media advocacy (MA) intervention under naturalistic conditions. Interventions were delivered by …

A Survey Of Psychologists’ Attitudes Towards And Utilization Of Exposure Therapy For Ptsd, Carolyn Becker, Claudia Zayfert, Emily Anderson

Carolyn Becker

Although research supports the efficacy of exposure therapy for PTSD, some evidence suggests that exposure is under-utilized in general clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to assess licensed psychologists’ use of imaginal exposure for PTSD and to investigate perceived barriers to its implementation. A total of 852 psychologists from 3 states were randomly selected and surveyed. An additional 50 members of a trauma special interest group of a national behavior therapy organization were also surveyed. The main survey results indicate that a large majority of licensed doctoral level psychologists do not report use of exposure therapy to treat …

An Analogue Study Of Patient Preferences For Exposure Versus Alternative Treatments For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Carolyn Becker, Ellen Darius, Katherine Schaumberg

Carolyn Becker

Although several efficacious treatments for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) exist, these treatments are currently underutilized in clinical practice. To address this issue, research must better identify barriers to dissemination of these treatments. This study investigated patient preferences for PTSD treatment given a wide range of treatment options in an analogue sample. One hundred and sixty individuals, with varying degrees of trauma history, were asked to imagine themselves undergoing a trauma, developing PTSD, and seeking treatment. Participants evaluated seven different treatment descriptions which depicted treatment options that they might encounter in a clinical setting. Participants rated their most and least preferred …

Reducing Eating Disorder Risk Factors In Sorority Members: A Randomized Trial, Carolyn Becker, Lisa Smith, Anna Ciao

Carolyn Becker

Although sororities are often perceived as contributing to eating disordered behavior, limited research has investigated eating disorders in sorority members. The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of a highly interactive cognitive dissonance prevention program in reducing empirically supported risk factors in sorority members. Members (n=149) were randomized to the highly interactive intervention, a more passive intervention, or waitlist. Results indicated that both interventions reduced dietary restraint, body dissatisfaction, and eating disorder pathology. Only the highly interactive group reduced thin-ideal internalization as compared to waitlist. Exploratory analyses also indicated that interventions were beneficial to both lower- and …

Exposure Utilization And Completion Of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Ptsd In A “Realworld” Clinical Practice, Claudia Zayfert, Jason Deviva, Carolyn Becker, Julie Pike, Karen Gillock, Sarah Hayes

Carolyn Becker

This study assessed rates of imaginal exposure therapy (ET) utilization and completion of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a clinical setting and examined variables associated with CBT completion. Using a clinical definition, the completion rate of CBT was markedly lower than rates reported in randomized trials. CBT completion was inversely related to severity of overall pretreatment measures of PTSD, avoidance, hyperarousal, depression, impaired social functioning, and borderline personality disorder. Regression yielded avoidance and depression as unique predictors of completion. Most dropouts occurred before starting imaginal ET, although initiating ET was associated with greater likelihood of …