COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT) FOR BULIMIA NERVOSA (BN) A META-ANALYSIS ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CBT FOR BN

Abstract

This meta-analysis aims to determine the effects of CBT on core symptoms of bulimia nervosa (BN) as analysis for the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) on BN. It only included randomised controlled studies with participants fulfilling DSM criteria for BN. Computer searches in Google Scholar, PsycInfo and NUS e-library resulted in a sizable number of articles, of which 46 studies (1436 participants) fulfilled the criteria for inclusion. Effect sizes are calculated by within group comparisons (pre-treatment vs. post-treatment), based on eight dependent variables, which are binge eating frequency, compensatory behaviours frequency, eating concern, shape concern, weight concern, dietary restriction, depressive symptom, and self-esteem level. Although the number of studies included in this meta-analysis is limited, the obtained results are mostly in line with the hypotheses which seven out of eight dependent variables (except self-esteem level) reported improvements thus proving the effectiveness of CBT for BN. Two moderation models are introduced, types of CBT and treatment durations, to test their fit for the data. Only types of CBT moderation model reported statistically significant results, regardless of low R2 values, proven to be a possible predictor variable. Several limitations are identified and suggestions for future research are provided.