A digital game to help prevent eating disorders
FlexED: A Digital, Gamified Early Intervention for Eating Disorders
This study is creating a fun, game-like program to help young women who are starting to struggle with eating disorders, making it easier for them to feel better about their bodies and focus on what really matters in their lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10704612 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research develops a digital, gamified intervention aimed at early intervention for eating disorders, particularly targeting young women who show initial signs of these conditions. By utilizing a user-centered design and principles from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), the program seeks to enhance body-image flexibility and engagement through interactive gaming elements. The goal is to provide an accessible and appealing tool for individuals at risk, helping them manage distressing thoughts and feelings about their bodies while pursuing meaningful life goals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are young women who are showing early signs of eating disorders or body image concerns.
Not a fit: Patients with established eating disorders or those who do not engage with digital platforms may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel and engaging way for young individuals to prevent the onset of eating disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using digital interventions for mental health, but this gamified approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Merwin, Rhonda M — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Merwin, Rhonda M
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.