Reducing Suicide Risk Associated With Weight Loss

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy of an intervention aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle and reducing risk factors associated with eating pathology, nonsuicidal self-injury, and suicidal behavior. We are also interested in assessing whether this intervention has the potential to prevent future symptoms of eating problems and self-harm urges and behaviors. The broader goal of this research is to identify factors that may help us better understand the prevention of self-harm behaviors and develop more effective treatments for these problems.

Detailed Description
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The current study was designed as a proof-of-concept study to test the association between weight suppression (WS; difference between one's highest and lowest weight) and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Previous research has found an association between current WS and lifetime NSSI and that this association was mediated by depressive symptoms and drive for thinness. The current study therefore modified an existing online cognitive dissonance-based program (the e-Body Project) using mixed gender content (from the Body Project 4 All scripts) to target posited mediators, i.e., depressive symptoms and weight and shape concerns, in a sample of individuals with WS and engagement in current NSSI.

Official Title
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Reducing Suicide Risk Associated With Weight Loss

Conditions
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Eating Behavior, Self Harm, Weight Loss

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Body Acceptance Program


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Age 18-65 years old At least 5 pounds weight suppression Engaged in non-suicidal self-injury at least once in past month Exclusion Criteria: Indicated being sure of suicide attempt on eligibility screener Live outside of the United States Currently pregnant

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Body Acceptance Program<br>The Body Acceptance Program (BAP) is the active condition. Participants engage in an online intervention during which they complete online and offline activities designed to challenge the appearance-ideal. | Behavioral: Body Acceptance Program<br>* The Body Acceptance Program is a mixed-gender modification of the eBody Project, an online intervention in which cognitive dissonance principals are used to reduce eating pathology.<br>* Other names: eBody Project;|
| No Intervention: Waitlist control<br>Participants in the waitlist control group completed baseline and follow-up assessments with no intervention. | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change from baseline on the Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Interview-Short Form (self-report) at follow-up | Self-harm frequency and likelihood | Pre-assessment and post-assessment (after intervention or two weeks from baseline) | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change from baseline on the Body Esteem Scale: Appearance subscale at follow-up | Feelings about one's appearance; scores are summed and range from 0-40, higher scores indicate greater appearance esteem | Pre-assessment and post-assessment (after intervention or two weeks from baseline) | 
| Change from baseline on the Body Esteem Scale: Weight subscale at follow-up | Feelings about one's weight; scores are summed and range from 0-32, higher scores indicate greater weight esteem | Pre-assessment and post-assessment (after intervention or two weeks from baseline) | 
| Change from baseline on the Body Esteem Scale: Attribution subscale at follow-up | Feelings about one's characteristics; scores are summed and range from 0-20, higher scores indicate greater self-esteem | Pre-assessment and post-assessment (after intervention or two weeks from baseline) | 
| Change from baseline on the Beck Depression Inventory II at follow-up | Depressive symptoms | Pre-assessment and post-assessment (after intervention or two weeks from baseline) | 
| Change from baseline on the Body Shape Questionnaire (8-item version #3) at follow-up | Assessment of weight and shape concerns | Pre-assessment and post-assessment (after intervention or two weeks from baseline) | 
| Change from baseline on the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule at follow-up | Captures current positive and negative affect | Pre-assessment and post-assessment (after intervention or two weeks from baseline) |