A qualitative evaluation of MEG: a group therapy program for women who binge eat

The current study utilised a qualitative approach to investigate the subjective experience of six women who were part of the MEG (Moderate Eating Program) program, a group treatment program for individuals who binge eat. This study extended the Crafti (2002) quantitative study, and attempted to contribute a richer wealth of knowledge on the effectiveness of MEG in addressing the issues of its participants, and to complement the extensive body of quantitative research carried out in the field of eating disorder treatment. Participants were interviewed individually in a semi-structured format before and after completion of the program. Transcripts were analysed to find common themes. Findings from the first interview supported previous studies on bingeing antecedents and characteristics. Participants typically reported a history of family dysfunction, dieting, and adverse events, and showed evidence of sociocultural influence. In support of the existing literature, they also showed low self-esteem, overemphasis on body image and the approval of others, difficulty with assertion, difficulty with emotion regulation, social anxiety, perfectionism, and impulsivity. Hopes for treatment outcome centred around healthy control of eating, healthy body weight, healthy attitudes toward food and body, and increased awareness. Results found MEG partially successful in meeting participants’ pre-treatment goals and effecting improvements in behaviour and awareness. All participants had shown improvement to varying degrees in eating behaviours and awareness, general awareness of eating disorders, and personality/psychological factors, but improvements had been difficult to maintain after completion of the program, and most pre-treatment issues persisted. This study raised a number of possible implications for future research and treatment directions, and is best interpreted as supplementing existing knowledge of treatment for eating disorders, and providing a foundation for future studies and treatment programs to build on.