Date of Award
Summer 2026
Language
English
Embargo Period
7-20-2028
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
College/School/Department
Department of Psychology
Program
Psychology (Master's)
First Advisor
Julia Hormes
Second Advisor
Drew Anderson
Committee Members
Julia Hormes, Drew Anderson
Keywords
pregnancy, loss of control eating, binge eating, food craving, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, single session intervention
Subject Categories
Clinical Psychology
Abstract
Pregnancy is a window of increased vulnerability for binge and loss-of-control (LOC) eating, which are linked to poor maternal-infant outcomes. Food cravings are highly modifiable triggers for binge and LOC eating and are prevalent in pregnancy. We conducted a pilot study of a single session online workshop designed to disrupt the adverse impact of food cravings on eating behaviors during pregnancy using skills grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Here, we assess the workshop’s feasibility and acceptability, and qualitatively examine participant engagement with workshop content. Participants randomized to the intervention were invited to complete nine modules on topics such as education on food cravings, mindfulness, thought suppression, and acceptance. Prior to the workshop, participants had little knowledge of ACT and 54.3% (n=25) reported engaging in at least one maladaptive strategy for dealing with cravings. A total of n=46 participants completed the workshop (median completion time = 54 minutes), which was generally perceived as logical (M=7.2/9) and likely to help with eating-related concerns (M=6.5/9). Participants demonstrated excellent uptake of and buy-in to evidence-based skills in knowledge checks and reflection questions. This study provides strong support for testing this intervention in a fully powered efficacy trial.
License
This work is licensed under the University at Albany Standard Author Agreement.
Recommended Citation
Woodworth, Emily C., "Multi-Method Examination of the Implementation, Feasibility, and Acceptability of a Single Session Intervention for Loss of Control Eating in Pregnancy" (2026). Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present). 507.
https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/etd/507