Food for thought: Will adolescent girls with eating disorders self-monitor in a CBT group?

This study of a Cognitive Behavior Therapy group examined the process of self-monitoring by adolescent females with eating disorders in group treatment. Five females, aged 17-18 with Anorexia Nervosa (n = 2) and Bulimia Nervosa (n = 3), participated in an 8-week treatment group. Self-monitoring occurred on 50% of the days and was highest during the first 3 weeks of treatment. Commitment to monitoring was related to the girls' self-reported readiness to change. Girls with Anorexia self-monitored as frequently as those with Bulimia. The clinical usefulness of self-monitoring with adolescents is discussed.