The Effectiveness of a Lived-Experience–Based Self-Help Package on Difficulties in Emotion Regulation among Women with Binge Eating Disorder

Abstract

Abstract
Binge Eating Disorder (BED), as the most prevalent eating disorder, is associated with difficulties in emotion regulation and widespread psychological and physical consequences. The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a lived-experience–based self-help package on difficulties in emotion regulation among women with binge eating disorder. This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group and a two-month follow-up. The statistical population consisted of women who attended diet therapy and psychological counseling centers in Qazvin in 2023. From this population, 44 participants were selected through purposive sampling. After attrition, participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 18) and a control group (n = 19). Data were collected using the Eating Disorder Diagnostic Questionnaire (2000) and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (2004). The experimental group participated in twelve weekly 180-minute sessions of the lived-experience–based self-help program, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results indicated that the lived-experience–based self-help package was effective in reducing difficulties in emotion regulation at posttest and at the two-month follow-up, and the effect remained stable over time (p < .05). The findings suggest that incorporating lived experiences into the design of self-help interventions can improve emotion regulation among women with binge eating disorder.