Comparison of group and individual approaches : to the cognitive-behavioral treatment of bulimia

Abstract

The current study is a comparative investigation of two treatment approaches to the eating disorder bulimia, A cognitive-behavioral group therapy approach was compared to a cognitive-behavioral individual psychotherapy approach. Eight subjects participated in group therapy while seven were involved in the individual mode. Group sessions lasted for approximately 90 minutes and occurred once weekly over a period of 8 weeks. Individual sessions were approximately 50 minutes in length, also occuring once each week over 8 weeks. Assessment measures were administered at pre-treatment, post-treatment and at 12-16 week follow-up. Quantitative examination of the results revealed undifferentiated rates of change across the two treatment groups. A conclusion that the two forms of treatment delivery are similarly effective in the treatment of bulimia is thought to be premature in light of the limitations of the study.