1 - (SYM 70) Acceptability, Feasibility, and Pre- to Post-intervention Efficacy of a Single-session Intervention Using the Habit Framework for Young Adults At-risk for Eating Disorders

Behavioral and neurobiological research provides evidence for the habit framework of eating disorders, in which behaviors are initially goal-directed with meaningful rewards, but become increasingly repetitive and fixed, and ultimately, habitual. The current study aimed to create and evaluate a single-session intervention (SSI) targeting the habitual nature of disordered eating in at-risk young adults. Participants at-risk for disordered eating (M_EAT-26=24.07) completed the active condition habit SSI (n=13) or a control SSI focusing on sharing emotions (n=14); each intervention took approximately 30 minutes. Participants completed the following questionnaires at pre- and post-intervention: Beck Hopelessness Scale – four item, State Hope Scale – Agency Subscale. Participants additionally completed the Program Feedback Scale and qualitative feedback at post-intervention. The SSIs were found to be feasible, with recruitment for the pilot sample (n=27) occurring over two weeks, and 93% of participants completing the intervention and all questionnaires. Both the active and control SSI had high acceptability on the Program Feedback Scale (item-level means ≥ 3.5/5.0) with no differences between condition. Qualitative feedback suggests that both interventions were easy to use, easy to understand, and participants enjoyed them. Some individuals in the control condition reported a desire to receive more actionable steps (38%). Regarding efficacy, there was a significant decrease in the Beck Hopelessness Scale from pre- to post-intervention across both conditions. The current study shows acceptability and feasibility of an SSI for disordered eating, with preliminary efficacy in reducing hopelessness. Reductions in hopelessness are considered increases in immediate perceived primary control which can lead to decreased symptoms and increased help-seeking behaviors. Recruitment for the current study is ongoing, with data collection on symptom improvement, habit strength, and treatment engagement measured at four-week follow-up as a vital next step in determining additional efficacy.