Date of Publication

4-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology

Subject Categories

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

College

Br. Andrew Gonzalez FSC College of Education

Department/Unit

Counseling and Educational Psychology

Thesis Advisor

Niño Jose C. Mateo

Defense Panel Chair

Aime Guarino

Defense Panel Member

John Jamir Benzon Aruta
John Addy Garcia
Leo J. Capeding
Estesa Xaris Q. Legaspi

Abstract (English)

Disordered eating, a spectrum of problematic eating behaviors and unrealistic attitudes towards food and body image, poses a threat to children and adolescents as it leads to other problems such as suicidal ideation, anxiety, and depression. Yet, research on the treatment for disordered eating remains limited. This mixed-method study assessed the effectiveness of an online Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training program in addressing disordered eating and its underlying issues, namely, depression, anxiety, emotion dysregulation, and suicidal ideation. In Study 1, thirty-one (31) university students took part in a 3-week program. Results from repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant reduction in disordered eating behaviors (p < .05) after going through the online DBT program. A follow-up analysis controlling for depression compared Group A and Group B. The groups had differences in anxiety and emotion dysregulation. In Study 2, twenty-two (22) subsequently attended group interviews. Data from the qualitative phase of the study affirmed that the use of different DBT skills reduced disordered eating behaviors. Participants further reported the usefulness of DBT skills to them, a reduction in anxiety and depression, and a generally enhanced well-being. The following themes emerged in the qualitative phase, which suggest possible mechanisms of change: (1) developing mindful practices with food, (2) improving mental clarity, (3) utilizing emotion regulation strategies for emotional well-being, (4) cultivating self-empowerment for wellness, and (5) nurturing meaningful connections with others. Overall, the findings indicate that online DBT intervention possesses good potential in reducing disordered eating. Further study is needed, though, to more clearly establish its potential to lessen emotion dysregulation, anxiety, or target other mental health outcomes, among adolescents with disordered eating behaviors.

Keywords: disordered eating, dialectical behavior therapy, emotion dysregulation

Abstract Format

html

Abstract (Filipino)

Ang hindi maayos na pagkain ay isang spectrum ng mga problemang gawi sa pagkain at hindi makatotohanang mga saloobin sa pagkain at imahe ng katawan. Ito ay nagdudulot ng banta sa mga bata at kabataan dahil humahantong ito sa iba pang mga problema tulad ng ideya ng pagpapakamatay, pagkabalisa, at depresyon. Gayunpaman, ang pananaliksik para sa hindi maayos na pagkain ay nananatiling limitado. Sinuri ng mixed-method na pag-aaral na ito ang pagiging epektibo ng isang online na Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) na programa para sa mga kasanayan sa pagtugon sa hindi maayos na pagkain at ang pinagbabatayan nitong mga isyu, lalo na, depresyon, pagkabalisa, emotion dysregulation, at suicidal ideation. Sa unang pag-aaral , tatlumpu't isang (31) mag-aaral sa unibersidad ang nakibahagi sa isang 3-linggong programa. Ang mga resulta mula sa repeated measures ANOVA ay nagpakita ng isang makabuluhang pagbawas sa hindi maayos na gawi sa pagkain (p

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Eating disorders—Treatment; Eating disorders in adolescence; Dialectical behavior therapy; Internet in psychotherapy

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Embargo Period

4-2027

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Available for download on Thursday, April 01, 2027

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