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Research Study on Peer Relationships & Body Image

Researchers: Nina Mafrici - Doctoral student in Counselling Psychology at the Ontario Institute for the Studies in Education of the University of Toronto (OISE/UT), under the supervision of Dr. Niva Piran.

Purpose of the Research Study: Friends and peers are important influences on our appearances and behaviours, and significantly impact how we feel about our bodies. The aim of this study is to explore how women's interactions with friends and peers affect their body image and their relationships to their bodies.

Participation: We are looking for women of diverse backgrounds between the ages of 25-45 to participate in confidential interviews. We are interested in a broad range of women's experiences with their friends and/or peers. However, this particular study will NOT include women have current severe eating problems. This includes women who are presently: bingeing and vomiting twice per week(or more) for the past three months, and/or women who have lost more than 15% of their body weight due to extreme dieting and are experiencing loss of menses as a result.

Benefits of the study: You may find it beneficial to talk about your experiences regarding your friends and/or peers in connection to your body. Your participation in this study may also help others develop a greater understanding of how these relationships affect women's body image across the lifespan which may, in turn, help professionals better support girls' in their development of a healthier body image.

Ethics: This research has been reviewed and approved by the University of Toronto Research Ethics Review Board.

Contact: If you are interested in obtaining further information about this study please contact Nina Mafrici at: peers.bodyimage@gmail.com or (416) 525-7414.

Posted September 19, 2011

 

Binge Eating Study

Researchers: Rachel Vella-Zarb, M.A., Ph.D. Clinical Psychology Candidate, York University and Jennifer Mills, Ph.D., C.Psych, Associate Professor, Clinical Psychology, York University

Purpose of the Research: The purpose of this study is to compare two different methods of preparing people to reduce or stop binge eating.

Participation: In order to participate in this study you will need to answer some brief screening questions online on a secure website and participate in a 30-minute interview via telephone with the principal investigator. Once it is determined that you are eligible to participate in the study, you will be invited to come into the laboratory at York University. At the laboratory, you will be asked to complete several questionnaires asking you about your mood and eating habits. For example, you may be asked how often you experience certain emotions or how you feel about eating in different situations, such as eating at a party or eating while watching TV. You will then be randomly assigned to participate in one of two different types of interviews that will last 90 minutes; one interview will focus on education about binge eating and the other will focus on motivation to change. After the interview session, you will be given a self-help manual for binge eating and will be instructed to read and follow the manual. Approximately 1 and 4 months later, you will be contacted via email and will be asked to answer questions online on a secure website about your eating and mood, as well as how you found the treatment manual. In total, your time commitment will be approximately 3 hours plus the amount of time it takes you to read and follow the self-help manual.

If you are interested in participating in this study, please go to the following link to complete a brief confidential screening questionnaire:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BINGESTUDY

If you are eligible to participate in the study after completing the online questionnaire, you will be contacted by the researcher. Please note, you must be available to attend a 1.5 hour session at York University in order to participate.

Ethics: This research has been reviewed and approved by the Human Participants Review Sub-Committee, York University’s Ethics Review Board and conforms to the standards of the Canadian Tri-Council Research Ethics guidelines.

Contact: If you have questions about the research, please feel free to contact the researcher, Rachel Vella-Zarb, at yorkbingestudy@gmail.com.

Posted September 19, 2011

 

Evaluating the effects of pro-eating disorder and professional recovery websites on users’ readiness to change

Researchers: Giuseppina Pompei (Masters of Psychology student) under the supervision of Dr. Ross King (Associate Professor in Psychology, Deakin University, Waterfront Campus, Australia). This research has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of Deakin University (reference number: HEAG-H 21/11).

The research is being conducted through an online survey as part of a Masters Research Thesis at Deakin University, Australia.

The purpose of this research is to explore how the use of pro-eating disorder websites and/or professional eating disorder-related recovery websites influences users’ willingness to change their eating disorder behaviours. Specifically, we are interested in the role these website may play in users’ current attitudes towards their eating behaviours, and what these websites offers their users; for example a sense of belonging, support or encouragement in their current eating disorder journey.

Participation:
What’s involved? Participation requires the completion of an online survey designed to explore users’ experiences of either pro-eating disorder and/or professional recovery websites, and the perceived importance of these websites for users’ in their current eating disorder behaviours and attitudes. The survey is also designed to explore how these websites may influence users’ willingness to change their eating disorder behaviours. If you are interested in sharing your website use experience, either pro-eating disorder or professional recovery websites, in a non-judgmental environment please follow the link below to complete an anonymous and confidential online survey. Please note all participation is voluntary, and participants must be aged 18 years or over.
http://www.deakin.edu.au/psychology/research/giuseppinapompei/

Contact details: If you have any queries or concerns please contact Giuseppina Pompei at gpomp@deakin.edu.au

Posted September 12, 2011

 

CLINICAL TRIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Deep Brain Stimulation for the Treatment of Refractory Anorexia Nervosa: Pilot Trial

Principle Investigators:
Dr. Andres M. Lozano (Division of Neurosurgery, University Health Network) and
Dr. D. Blake Woodside (Department of Psychiatry, University Health Network)
Study Co-coordinator: Dr. Nir Lipsman (University Health Network)

Investigators at the University of Toronto's University Health Network have initiated and are now enrolling a phase I, pilot trial of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for the management of severe and treatment resistant Anorexia Nervosa (AN). DBS is a neurosurgical procedure involving the insertion of electrodes into structures believed to drive pathological behavior, which are then connected to a subcutaneously implanted battery. It is a 'pacemaker' for the brain, and is a non-destructive, non-lesional, reversible and titratable means of modulating electrical activity in the brain. DBS has been used for over 25 years to manage disabling movement disorders, such as Parkinson's Disease and Dystonia, and has recently shown promise in the management of refractory psychiatric diseases, such as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Among psychiatric disorders, Anorexia Nervosa is the condition with the highest rates of morbidity and mortality. Currently, few treatments are available that address the underlying pathophysiology of the illness, leaving a large proportion of patients susceptible to the long-term sequalae of untreated disease. Advances in the neuroimaging, genetics, and physiology of AN and its overlapping co-morbidities, such as OCD and other anxiety disorders, suggest that key brain structures generate and maintain the condition. In a highly select population of patients, who have failed multiple previous treatment attempts, it may be possible to disrupt the pathological thoughts and behaviours of AN, by disrupting activity in these key brain structures with DBS. Similar approaches, at the University of Toronto and in multiple centers around the world, have been applied to refractory MDD and OCD, with promising results.

We have begun a phase I, pilot, safety and feasibility trial exploring DBS in patients with chronic and refractory Anorexia Nervosa. Inclusion criteria include male or female patients between 20-60, disease duration over five (5) years, and able to comply fully with frequent study visits. Exclusion criteria include BMI<13, patients with history of psychosis, active neurologic disease, alcohol or other substance abuse disorder in the last 6 months (excluding caffeine and nicotine), contraindications to neuroimaging, presence of serious medical comorbidities that preclude surgery, and pregnancy. Patients below a BMI of 13 can be admitted pre-operatively to increase their weight appropriately.

Study duration will be one (1) year for each patient following surgery. All ongoing AN treatment will continue during the course of the study, and patients will be followed closely by the neuromodulation team (neurosurgery and psychiatry) at University Health Network, during and following the study, as well as at regular intervals, as required.

If you would like more information about this study, please contact Dr. Nir Lipsman, study-coordinator, at pager number (416)-790-1780 (leave a call back number), or email at dbsanorexia@gmail.com. If you feel you have a patient who may be eligible or interested in this study, please contact Dr. Nir Lipsman, and/or make a referral directly to Dr. Blake Woodside, c/o Toronto General Hospital, at fax number (416)-340-4198.

Posted August 10, 2011

 

FLINDERS UNIVERSITY - SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY RESEARCH STUDY
Evaluation of a web-based multi media intervention for care-givers of people with anorexia nervosa

This project examines whether an internet-based intervention for care-givers (or significant others) of people with anorexia nervosa is effective and useful. The interactive web programme aims to give care-givers information and skills to help them help their relative, cope with care-giving and reduce distress, which may in turn help the individual with anorexia nervosa.

The programme includes information on how to communicate with a person with anorexia; how to support them at meal times, facilitate weight gain and re-establish healthy eating; how to manage crises and conflict; and how to assess and manage risk.

How is the research being undertaken?
We are looking to recruit 60 care-givers. Care-givers will be randomly allocated (i.e. as in the tossing of a coin) to one of two treatment interventions: the web-based programme or the web-based programme + weekly support either by telephone or by email from a trainee psychologist. Care-givers will also be required to complete questionnaires on three occasions: when the intervention starts, at the end of the intervention, as well as 3-months after the intervention has been completed. We will also invite the person with anorexia nervosa to answer questions about how they perceive their relationship with the care-giver.

Am I eligible to take part?
If you are currently taking care of a loved one suffering from a form of anorexia nervosa and have the ability to read and understand English, you are eligible to participate.

To find out more
Contact Danielle Hoyle: Ph: 0450 956 733 or email: hoyl0014@flinders.edu.au

This project has been approved by the Social and Behavioural Ethics Committee. If you wish to discuss the study with someone not directly involved, in particular in relation to policies, your rights as a participant, or should you wish to make a confidential complaint, you may contact the secretary of the Social and Behavioural Research Ethics Committee at Flinders University on (08) 8201 3116 or human.researchethics@flinders.edu.au

Posted August 16, 2011

 

RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR A TREATMENT STUDY OF ANOREXIA NERVOSA

Investigators at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health are looking for participants to take part in a treatment study for anorexia nervosa.

Eligible participants must be:

• Between 18 and 55 years of age
• Currently have anorexia nervosa
• Have a body mass index (BMI) between 14 and 18.5
• Willing to consider taking medication
• Available for weekly check-in sessions at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (250 College Street)

You do not need to stop current psychological treatments in order to take part in this study.

If you are interested in obtaining more information, please call (416) 535-8501 x 3877
or email us at Beheshta_Jaghori@camh.net

All queries are strictly confidential.

Reposted July 4, 2011

 

Gender Differences in the Relationship between the traits for Anorexia Nervosa, Obsessive-Compulsive, and Obsessive-Compulsive Personality

• We are exploring the relationship between gender and personality, anxiety, and impulse-control issues.
•We want to better understand the relationship between gender and Anorexia Nervosa traits, Obsessive-Compulsive traits, and Obsessive-Compulsive Personality traits.
•We are seeking males and females to fill out a confidential, online survey, taking approximately 10 minutes to complete.
• Our goal is to help counselors better understand people who have these traits.

Are you eligible?
• Are you 19 years of age or older?
• Can you read and write in English?
• Do you have access to a computer with internet connection?

Please go to http://cassandra.limequery.com/53176/lang-en to participate.

If you have any questions, please contact:
Cairo,Cassandra HBA
M.A. Counselling Psychology Candidate
Adler School of Professional Psychology
ccairo@my.adler.edu

Reposted July 4, 2011

 

 

B.O.D.Y.
Beyond Obesity and Disordered Eating in Youth

What do you think about messages, campaigns, or interventions aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle, weight-related problems, and positive body image? Do you want to talk about it?

Take part in a focus group to share your thoughts and experiences!

Are you between the ages of 16 and 25?

Do you live in the Toronto Region and GTA?

About the research study: The aim of this study is to collect information on eating disorders, disordered eating, and obesity prevention intervention in youth. Should you agree to take part in this project, you will be asked to participate in a focus group lasting two hours and, if you wish, a face-to-face interview. With your permission, the focus group and interview will be audio-recorded. In addition, you will be asked to complete a brief form requesting details about your educational and personal background (e.g. sex, education, personal income, and ethno-cultural background).

In appreciation of your time and involvement, you will be reimbursed for expenses related to your TTC fare (to and from the meeting). Also, you will receive an honorarium in the amount of $20.00 (ITune gift certificate) at the end of the focus group and a $10.00 ITune gift certificate at the end of the interview.

If you would like any further information about any aspect of the study, please contact:

Manuela Ferrari
Phone: (416) 813-7204
Email: manuela.ferrari@utoronto.ca
This project has been approved by the Research
Ethics Board at SickKids and University of Toronto.

If you have questions about your rights as a subject in a study, please call the Research Ethics Manager at 416-813-5718.

Reposted February 11, 2011

Perfectionism, Self-Injurious Behaviour, and Functions of Anorexia Nervosa Research Participants Needed

Who?
- Current, previous, or suspected diagnosis of anorexia nervosa
- 15 years of age or older
- MUST have parent or guardian permission to participate if under the age of 18
- Ability to communicate in English at the 4th grade level

What?
- An online survey asking questions about:
- Perfectionism
- Self-Injurious Behaviour
- Pros and Cons of Eating Disorders
- Attitudes Related to Eating and Other Related Behaviours

Where?
- Any computer that has internet access!

When?
- At your convenience!
- Approximately 30-45 minutes

Why?
- To help the community and researchers understand eating disorders better
- To help a Master’s student obtain their degree

A chance to win a $100 Visa Gift Card! Anyone who completes the survey will be eligible to enter a draw for a $100 Visa Gift Card. The exact odds of winning will be dependent on the number of responses, but chances will never go below 1/150!

Confidentiality will be maintained throughout the course of the study
For more information contact: Nicklaus Csuzdi (Choose-dee), University of Guelph at csuzdi.masters.thesis@gmail.com OR 519-824-4120 ext. 54822

Posted Dec 17, 2010

 

Family Internet-based Early Bulimia Nervosa Study

The University of Chicago is conducting a research study designed to examine the efficacy of an Internet-based program for parents with adolescent children who show early signs of bulimia nervosa. We are seeking families who have an adolescent (ages 12-17) who engages in binge eating (large amounts of food in a short period of time) and/or compensatory purging (e.g., vomiting). Participating families will use an Internet-based program to address their adolescent’s eating disorder symptoms.

To be eligible:
* Families with an adolescent child (ages 12-17)
* Adolescent demonstrates eating disorder symptoms

For information call:
Colleen Stiles-Shields at 773-834-5677 and mention your interest in the Family Internet-based Early Bulimia Nervosa Study or e-mail Jocelyn Lebow: jlebow@yoda.bsd.uchicago.edu or, to learn more, or to register online, visit: http://epathprogram.org

Posted Oct 1, 2010

 

Recovering From Anorexia: Views on Recovery

Recovering from anorexia is difficult and each person’s experience is very different. Deakin University is conducting a project looking at your experience. We are inviting both males and females over the age of 18 who are currently recovering from anorexia to be involved. This study involves you completing five brief confidential online questionnaires now (should take approx. 30mins) and again in two weeks.

If you are interested in more information follow the link below or contact Jacqueline Woerner on (03) 52278426 or email: jrwoerne@deakin.edu.au

www.deakin.edu.au/psychology/research/jackmaster

Posted June 23, 2010

 

Research Study: Do You Binge Eat and Purge?

Females (ages 21-45) with this eating disorder needed for a research study testing the effects of common medications and alcohol on mood and performance. 7 sessions (8:30 am-3:30 pm). FREE TREATMENT available after study. Cannot be on hormonal contraceptives. Call (212) 543-6623, -5126, -5125, -5707. Confidential. Earn $800-1,100

Near Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center (168th St. & Broadway)
P.I.: Suzette Evans, Ph.D. (P.I. IRB # 6062R)

Posted March 30, 2010

 

Towson University Research Study on Social/Emotional Functioning

Adults 18 years and older who have been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa are needed to participate in research on social and emotional functioning.

This study will explore the role of the self in perspective taking and empathy abilities. Of particular interest is the relationship between understanding one's own thoughts/emotions and then being able to infer those thoughts/emotions in others.

If you are interested, the following is what you can expect to do:
1. Contact the experimenter to set up an appointment (contact information
below).
2. Meet with the experimenter at the previously agreed upon time and
location.
3. After talking with the experimenter about your rights as a volunteer,
you'll need to sign a consent form stating that you wish to participate.
4. You will fill out a variety of questions on a computer about your
social/emotional functioning.
5. You'll be asked to read a series of short stories on the computer and
than answer questions about what you think the characters are thinking or
feeling.
6. You'll be asked to complete a quick language assessment.
7. You'll be thanked and given $20 for your time and participation!

Contact Information:
C. Alix Timko, Ph.D. (Primary Investigator) & Kerry Whiteman (Co-investigator)
Email address: TOM.empathy@gmail.com
Phone Number: (410)704-5876

THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN REVIEWED BY THE INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD FOR THE
PROTECTION OF HUMAN PARTICIPANTS AT TOWSON UNIVERSITY (410-704-2236)

Posted March 10 , 2010

Durham, NC: Duke Eating Disorders Program --Treatment Study for Adolescents.

This is a collaborative study between Duke University Medical Center and Towson University. The aim of the study is to develop and test a family-based intervention that combines established eating disorder treatment components with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT has been found to be useful for other problems, but has not yet been systematically applied to issues of eating and body image.

With this study, we are trying to learn the most effective way to treat an adolescent's eating disorder and how best to involve parents and caregivers in the process. Because parents and children have different concerns and are struggling with different aspects of the eating disorder, this treatment involves separated family treatment.

Sessions occur on the same day with the same therapist, with adolescents receiving ACT-based individual therapy and parents receiving an ACT-modified version of Off the C.U.F.F parent training curriculum.

The study is appropriate for adolescents
(1) between the ages of 12-18,
(2) who are medical stable for outpatient
treatment, and
(3) have symptoms of anorexia nervosa.

For more information, please check out our website at http://pages.towson.edu/ctimko/anorexia_study.htm, call us at (919) 684-0149, or email edresearch@duke.edu

Posted Ferbuary 18, 2010

 

Seeking eating disorder experts for dissertation study

I'm working on a two-part study on the competence and attitude of mental health professionals who work with eating disorders. For the first part, I need 140 experts to take a quick 15 minute questionnaire: http://daniellebe.com/expert
<http://daniellebe.com/expert>

The second part of my dissertation is an on-line one hour workshop for marriage and family therapists who do not have much experience with eating disorders. They receive one free CEU for participating: http://daniellebe.com/workshop

If you would like more information about either of these studies, please contact me
at Daniellebe@gmail.com

Posted February 16, 2010