Table 15 Psychoeducation programs (with discussion group) for emerging adults (18–25 years)

Lindenberg et al. [71]

Open trial

General sample of college students

n = 34 actively used program

n = 8 moderate risk

n = 25 high risk

n = 1 mild symptoms

Appetite for Life: Internet-based program for the prevention of EDs. It is a translation of German program Es[s]prit. Contains 5 modules of increasing intensity. First involves screening for level of impairment and ED risk. Based on screen results (low to high risk), users are assigned a specific module. Program contains psychoeducation and moderated forum. Option to connect with counsellor online for 30 min or referred to face-to-face counselling if more intensive services are needed

WCS, SEED, CR-EAT, EDE-Q

Weekly monitoring questionnaire measures correlates of ED on four dimensions: 1) body dissatisfaction, 2) over concern with body weight and shape, 3) unbalanced nutrition and dieting, and 4) binge eating and compensatory behaviors,

acceptability, feasibility

7 out of 34 (20.59%) indicated that they had gained knowledge on ED by participating, 5 (14.71%) said that their participation had helped them to clarify certain questions, 3 (8.82%) said that without it, they would not have known who to share their problems with, and 12 (35.29%) indicated that overall, they were pleased with it. 15 out of 34 (44.12%) said that it was ‘helpful’. The concepts of the various components were rated more positively by the “moderate risk” group, whereas participation in Appetite For Life in general was rated more positively by “high risk” participants

Minarik et al. [72]

Open trial

General population of young adult users

n = 173 completed satisfaction survey

ProYouth: internet-based program for ED prevention and early intervention. Aims to inform about EDs and improve mental health literacy, to prevent ED development, and refer early to professional healthcare if needed. Has comprehensive psycho-educative materials, moderated forums, psychologist-led group chat sessions, blogs; can also book individual chat sessions with a counsellor

WCS, SEED, satisfaction survey

The most important reasons given for using ProYouth were anonymity and the possibility of free advice. 73% rated the statement "Overall, I am satisfied with ProYouth" as applicable. 70% would recommend ProYouth to friends if they were worried about their eating habits. 22% stated that without ProYouth they would not have known who to talk to about their questions and problems. Dissemination of the program must be actively pursued. An active, outreach form of dissemination (e.g., via workshops in schools) has proven its worth; approx. two thirds of participants stated that they had heard about ProYouth at school

Ali et al. [73]

RCT

Young adults at-risk for an ED (> 57 score on WCS)

n = 17 ProYouth OZ (without peer-to-peer support)

n = 17 ProYouth OZ Peers (with peer-to-peer support)

n = 16 waitlist control

ProYouth OZ: adapted version of ProYouth, aiming to target young adults at high-risk for developing an ED; similarly comprised of psychoeducational information as well as a monitoring and feedback system (e.g., questions assessing body dissatisfaction, overconcern with weight/shape, etc.). Delivered over 6 weeks

ProYouth OZ Peers: included all components of ProYouth OZ, but also included an online peer-to-peer support component, where participants were encouraged to attend weekly 1-h group chat sessions (with 4–6 participants) led by a peer with a lived ED experience (in the presence of a trained health professional). Chat sessions discussed body image, coping strategies, help-seeking pathways, etc

EDE-Q; help-seeking barriers, attitudes, intentions, behaviours, body image, quality of life, social support, loneliness, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and stages of changes assessed via questionnaires; satisfaction with the intervention (e.g., asked “overall how satisfied were you with the chat session today?”)

Outcome data was limited (n = 15 completed a post-intervention assessment), and therefore it was not possible to conduct group comparisons or to test for any pre- to post-intervention changes between the groups over time. Individual outcome profiles of participants in each intervention (where pre- and post-intervention data was available) were examined. In ProYouth OZ, 1 (of 6) participant had decreased ED symptoms, and in ProYouth OZ Peers, both (2 of 2) participants reported decreased ED symptoms immediately after the intervention. Of the 6 participants in ProYouth OZ, 1 reported being very satisfied with the program. Of the 2 participants in ProYouth OZ Peers, both were very satisfied with the program