Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) experience eating disorder (ED) symptoms at rates consistent with non-Hispanic White individuals. Yet, there remains a lack of evidence-based treatment and outcomes research for BIPOC with EDs. Transdiagnostic approaches can address symptoms related to EDs and co-occurring mental health conditions by targeting underlying factors that present across emotional disorders. The purpose of the study was to examine the long-term effects of the Unified Treatment Model for Eating Disorders and Comorbidity (UTM) on transdiagnostic factors, specifically anxiety sensitivity, experiential avoidance, and mindfulness, in BIPOC with EDs. The sample included 470 BIPOC clients who received the UTM in residential ED treatment. Using repeated measures ANOVA, we examined changes in core transdiagnostic mechanisms using the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI), Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (BEAQ), and Southampton Mindfulness Questionnaire (SMQ) to determine treatment differences during treatment admission, discharge, and six months post-discharge. Results revealed statistically significant differences in ASI, BEAQ, and SMQ scores from admission to discharge, with treatment progress maintained between discharge and six-month follow-up. The UTM represents a promising treatment approach for BIPOC in residential ED treatment, targeting core transdiagnostic mechanisms across emotional disorders. Clinical implications are discussed, including culturally responsive conceptualization and treatment, as well as recommendations for future research.
Labarta et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: