Evaluation of the Mindful Moderate Eating Group program: a mindfulness-based group therapy program for women with binge eating difficulties

Binge eating is one of the most common forms of eating difficulties, and is associated with a range of psycho-social problems. While Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used treatment for binge eating problems, mindfulness-based treatments have emerged in recent times as a promising alternative approach. The current study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based group therapy program for women with binge eating difficulties. Of interest were changes to eating psychopathology, and associated general psychopathology, and the subjective experience of group participants and facilitators. The study employed a repeated-measures, mixed-methods design to evaluate the Mindful Moderate Eating Group (MEG) program, a therapy program run through a University Psychology Clinic in Melbourne, Australia. Quantitative data was collected via questionnaires at pre-program, post-program, three-month follow-up and six-month follow-up. Following the program, all participants were invited to take part in a face-to-face interview to explore their experiences in more depth. A total of 30 women completed a pre- and post-questionnaire, 28 completed a 3-month follow-up questionnaire and 24 completed a 6-month follow-up questionnaire. The age of the sample ranged from 18 years to 52 years (M = 32.2 years, SD = 7.9). Following participation in the program, there was a significant reduction to binge eating severity, dieting behaviours, negative body image, and negative affect. There was also a significant increase to self-esteem. All of these reductions were maintained at three-month follow-up. The findings in the current study support the effectiveness of mindfulness-based group therapy programs for women with binge eating difficulties. Participation in the Mindful MEG program led to significant reductions in both eating psychopathology and general psychopathology and these changes were maintained at three month follow-up. Implications from the qualitative component of the study include the value of concurrent individual counselling for group members, and the importance of quality formal supervision for group facilitators.