Virtual prevention of eating disorders in children, adolescents, and emerging adults: a scoping review

Plain English summary This review aimed to identify all available evidence for virtual eating disorder (ED) prevention interventions for children/adolescents (<18 years) and emerging adults (18-25 years). We reviewed seven databases and found 67 studies for inclusion. Findings were summarized int...

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Main Authors: Danielle Pellegrini, Laura Grennan, Neera Bhatnagar, Gail McVey, Jennifer Couturier
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2022-07-01
Series:Journal of Eating Disorders
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-022-00616-8
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author Danielle Pellegrini
Laura Grennan
Neera Bhatnagar
Gail McVey
Jennifer Couturier
author_facet Danielle Pellegrini
Laura Grennan
Neera Bhatnagar
Gail McVey
Jennifer Couturier
author_sort Danielle Pellegrini
collection DOAJ
description Plain English summary This review aimed to identify all available evidence for virtual eating disorder (ED) prevention interventions for children/adolescents (<18 years) and emerging adults (18-25 years). We reviewed seven databases and found 67 studies for inclusion. Findings were summarized into themes: asynchronous (not in real-time) and synchronous (in real-time) internet-based programs, other e-technology (mobile applications ['apps'], text messages), computer-based programs, and online caregiver interventions focused on child outcomes. Among children and adolescents, the most widely researched programs were Student Bodies (asynchronous internet-based cognitive-behavioural program), eBody Project (synchronous internet-based cognitive-dissonance program), and Parents Act Now, (online caregiver intervention). Among emerging adults, the most widely researched programs were Student Bodies (described above), eBody Project (described above) and Expand Your Horizon (asynchronous internet-based body functionality program). These interventions were effective at reducing symptoms and/or risk of developing EDs. Additional research is needed, including a greater focus on children and adolescents, and text messaging, mobile apps, online cognitive restructuring, and online imagery rescripting ED prevention interventions. Evidence-based recommendations for virtual ED prevention interventions that have been reviewed by a panel and research on improving access to virtual ED prevention services for vulnerable groups should also be prioritized.
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spelling doaj.art-b67805f1ffc0479daf4c28ee7337ebf62023-08-02T09:36:22ZengBMCJournal of Eating Disorders2050-29742022-07-0110114410.1186/s40337-022-00616-8Virtual prevention of eating disorders in children, adolescents, and emerging adults: a scoping reviewDanielle Pellegrini0Laura Grennan1Neera Bhatnagar2Gail McVey3Jennifer Couturier4McMaster UniversityMcMaster UniversityMcMaster UniversityUniversity Health NetworkMcMaster UniversityPlain English summary This review aimed to identify all available evidence for virtual eating disorder (ED) prevention interventions for children/adolescents (<18 years) and emerging adults (18-25 years). We reviewed seven databases and found 67 studies for inclusion. Findings were summarized into themes: asynchronous (not in real-time) and synchronous (in real-time) internet-based programs, other e-technology (mobile applications ['apps'], text messages), computer-based programs, and online caregiver interventions focused on child outcomes. Among children and adolescents, the most widely researched programs were Student Bodies (asynchronous internet-based cognitive-behavioural program), eBody Project (synchronous internet-based cognitive-dissonance program), and Parents Act Now, (online caregiver intervention). Among emerging adults, the most widely researched programs were Student Bodies (described above), eBody Project (described above) and Expand Your Horizon (asynchronous internet-based body functionality program). These interventions were effective at reducing symptoms and/or risk of developing EDs. Additional research is needed, including a greater focus on children and adolescents, and text messaging, mobile apps, online cognitive restructuring, and online imagery rescripting ED prevention interventions. Evidence-based recommendations for virtual ED prevention interventions that have been reviewed by a panel and research on improving access to virtual ED prevention services for vulnerable groups should also be prioritized.https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-022-00616-8Eating disordersPreventionEarly interventionVirtualChildrenAdolescents
spellingShingle Danielle Pellegrini
Laura Grennan
Neera Bhatnagar
Gail McVey
Jennifer Couturier
Virtual prevention of eating disorders in children, adolescents, and emerging adults: a scoping review
Journal of Eating Disorders
Eating disorders
Prevention
Early intervention
Virtual
Children
Adolescents
title Virtual prevention of eating disorders in children, adolescents, and emerging adults: a scoping review
title_full Virtual prevention of eating disorders in children, adolescents, and emerging adults: a scoping review
title_fullStr Virtual prevention of eating disorders in children, adolescents, and emerging adults: a scoping review
title_full_unstemmed Virtual prevention of eating disorders in children, adolescents, and emerging adults: a scoping review
title_short Virtual prevention of eating disorders in children, adolescents, and emerging adults: a scoping review
title_sort virtual prevention of eating disorders in children adolescents and emerging adults a scoping review
topic Eating disorders
Prevention
Early intervention
Virtual
Children
Adolescents
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-022-00616-8
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