The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effects of PrevED MR, a group-based preventive intervention for adolescents and young adults at risk of developing eating disorders. PrevED MR is based on dialectical behavior therapy skills and uses mixed reality and virtual reality activities to support emotion regulation, mindfulness, distress tolerance, and body-related acceptance.
Participants will be randomly assigned to either the PrevED MR intervention group or a waiting-list control group. The intervention will be delivered over 6 weeks, with two sessions per week, for a total of 12 sessions. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and after the intervention to examine changes in eating disorder symptoms, body image acceptance, emotion regulation strategies, rumination, usability, sense of presence, cybersickness, satisfaction, and adherence.
Adolescents and young adults aged 13 to 35 years.
Spanish-speaking participants who are able to understand the study procedures and complete the assessment instruments.
Students recruited from participating schools, universities, or related recruitment settings.
Participants at mid-to-high risk of developing eating disorders, as assessed by the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) and selected subscales of the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3).
Current or past self-reported diagnosis of an eating disorder.
Current severe psychiatric symptoms or diagnosis that could interfere with participation, including suicidal, manic, or psychotic symptoms.
Severe neurodevelopmental disorder, intellectual disability, or other cognitive impairment that could interfere with understanding or completing the study procedures.
Physical, motor, or sensory impairment that could interfere with the assessment procedures or the use of the mixed/virtual reality intervention.
Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Lead sponsor
Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Spain
Collaborator