Effectiveness of Group EFT for Transdiagnostic Eating Disorders/Difficulties Within Student Couns… (NCT06779838) | Clinical Trial Compass
By InvitationNot Applicable
Effectiveness of Group EFT for Transdiagnostic Eating Disorders/Difficulties Within Student Counselling Services.
United Kingdom24 participantsStarted 2025-02-06
Plain-language summary
What is the purpose of the study? Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals identify, explore, and transform difficult emotions to improve emotional wellbeing and resolve psychological issues. While there is a growing body of evidence for the effectiveness of both individual and group EFT with a range of difficulties, including eating disorders, this has not yet been sufficiently explored within university counselling services. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a group EFT intervention for students experiencing eating disorders or concerns related to eating, weight, and shape. The study aims to determine whether this type of therapy can be effectively delivered within a university counselling service, and if it could potentially improve participants' mental health and wellbeing.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* 1\. Open referral with the counselling/student support service, meaning students can engage in a screening appointment with a group facilitator 2. Global EDE-Q Score ≥ 2.77 (cutoff for disordered eating in the general population as per EDE-Q norms attached).
or Score ≥ Mean + 1 SD on at least one EDE-Q subscale (Restraint, Eating Concern, Shape Concern, or Weight Concern) 3. Have body mass index (BMI) greater than 15kg/m2 4. Have sufficient English for talking therapy 5. Over the age of 18
Exclusion Criteria:
* 1\. Considerable psychological risk, including active suicidal plans 2. Comorbidity taking priority 3. Alcohol/substance use disorder 4. Psychosis 5. Risk of harm towards others 6. Participating in concurrent psychological one-to-one or group treatment 7. Diagnosed intellectual disability impeding ability to access therapy 8. Pregnant
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q)
Timeframe: From baseline prior to the intervention/control condition beginning to post-intervention (2-4 weeks post-intervention)