The readiness for change in anorexia nervosa clients

The Use of Ecological Momentary Assessments to Assess the Stability of Readiness for Change in Anorexia Nervosa Clients
A research project of the School of Psychology, Deakin University
Readiness to change needs to be relatively stable in order to ensure that the stage-matched treatment approach which has been designed for a specific stage is still applicable to the client when it is implemented. Otherwise, when undertaking these tailored interventions, clients may already have shifted into a different stage, especially in situations where delays occur between stage assessment and treatment intervention.

This study aims to explore client’s individual perspective regarding their experiences with anorexic nervosa, particularly relating to their readiness to change. This study anticipates involvement of approximately 15 participants who are currently diagnosed (determined by self-report) with anorexia nervosa. Participants will be required to be over the age of 18 and residing in the state of Victoria.

Participation in this research project will require participants to be involved in completing a series of questions via a palm pilot over the duration of six days. In addition, participants will also be asked to complete three anonymous brief questionnaires (approximately 15minutes) at the commencement of their involvement in the study. The questions on both the palm pilot and the self-report questionnaires will explore personal experiences related to their eating and weight issues and include topics such as how ready participants are to change their behaviours and their belief in their ability to change. Participants will be asked to attend Deakin University to undertake a brief information session in the use of the palm pilot. It is anticipated that this training should take approximately 30 minutes. Participants will then be asked to take the palm pilots home and complete the electronic questionnaire on the palm pilot over a period of six days at five quasi-random stratified intervals between the times of 8am and 10pm. An alarm will sound on the device to alert participants to the time that they are asked to complete the questions. After the six day period, participants will be asked to return the palm pilots (with the completed electronic information) to Deakin University.

When completing the EMA, participants will be asked to provide information relating to:

  • Their views regarding their current readiness to recover (as specified by the Transtheoretical Model and determined by stage of change)
  • Their individual views regarding their general experiences with anorexia nervosa (including their development of AN and treatment of AN)

Specifically the data obtained by the EMA’s and the questionnaires will, by using the Transtheoretical Model, determine the client’s current stage of change and self-efficacy regarding their anorectic symptomology (both cognitive and behavioural), whilst also determining the stability of these constructs.

If you have any queries, or for further information please contact Jacqueline Woerner in the School of Psychology, Deakin University.
Email: jacqueline.woerner@deakin.edu.au .
Phone: (03) 52278426