First, this study examined the types of situations that are likely to trigger binge eating in bulimia. A symptom protocol method was used to assess the type of situation.
Results suggest that negative emotions are predominant in the very first phase of treatment.
Interpersonally stressful situations appear to be more relevant after the first phase of therapy. Comparing the two waiting control conditions results show a much larger increase in perceived self-efficacy in the waiting control group with the symptom protocol intervention. Also, each of the three treatment conditions indicated an increase in self-efficacy expectations. Nevertheless, patients gained self-efficacy for different situations within the three different psychotherapeutic approaches to bulimia. Implications for treatment and for further research are discussed.