We are no longer recruiting participants for this study.
About the Study
The purpose of this study is to investigate the course of anxiety over two sessions of food exposure therapy. Participants will be asked to do a screening interview, two food therapy sessions, and to answer questions sent to their phone four times a day for two weeks. During the food therapy, participants will be asked to bring in and eat a feared food without using any safety behaviors. Participants will also wear a health sensor band during the therapy sessions. Participants can be paid up to $60 for participating in this study.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I qualify for this study?
Anyone who meets criteria for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED) may participate. Individuals with binge eating disorder do not qualify for this study. You must be able to come to the University of Louisville for the screening interview and therapy sessions.
Where does the study take place?
This study takes place in Louisville, KY at the University of Louisville’s Life Sciences Building.
What is the duration of the study?
The total duration of this study will be approximately two-three weeks. Participants will first come in for an in-person screening during which we will determine study eligibility, provide a brief training, and identify a feared food to focus on for the food therapy sessions. Participants will then schedule times to come in for the two therapy sessions, which are typically scheduled about a week apart. The screening and the two therapy sessions should all take between 60-90 minutes to complete.
Can I participate if I already have a therapist?
Yes! We encourage you to continuing working with your current therapist and treat this study as though it is additional therapy.
What are the benefits of participation?
The possible benefits of this study include a potential decrease in anxiety over the course of the study, as well as a potential decrease in eating disorder symptoms. Exposure therapy is beneficial for the reduction of anxiety. This study provides no cost therapy that may benefit your health outcomes.
Are there any risks associated with participating?
You may feel anxious or exhausted as a result of the therapy sessions. A study coordinator will always be present during these sessions to help you with any distress you may be experiencing.
How much will I be paid?
One month after you complete the study, you will be asked to complete a follow-up questionnaire. Once this has been completed, you will receive a $60 Visa gift card for your time.
Who can I contact for more information?
Those interested can contact the study principal investigator, Cheri Levinson at cheri.levinson@louisville.edu. Potential participants can also email foodexposurestudy@gmail.com or call the Study Coordinator at (502) 208-9212. Or please use the contact form below to contact us.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the course of anxiety over two sessions of food exposure therapy. Participants will be asked to do a screening interview, two food therapy sessions, and to answer questions sent to their phone four times a day for two weeks. During the food therapy, participants will be asked to bring in and eat a feared food without using any safety behaviors. Participants will also wear a health sensor band during the therapy sessions. Participants can be paid up to $60 for participating in this study.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I qualify for this study?
Anyone who meets criteria for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED) may participate. Individuals with binge eating disorder do not qualify for this study. You must be able to come to the University of Louisville for the screening interview and therapy sessions.
Where does the study take place?
This study takes place in Louisville, KY at the University of Louisville’s Life Sciences Building.
What is the duration of the study?
The total duration of this study will be approximately two-three weeks. Participants will first come in for an in-person screening during which we will determine study eligibility, provide a brief training, and identify a feared food to focus on for the food therapy sessions. Participants will then schedule times to come in for the two therapy sessions, which are typically scheduled about a week apart. The screening and the two therapy sessions should all take between 60-90 minutes to complete.
Can I participate if I already have a therapist?
Yes! We encourage you to continuing working with your current therapist and treat this study as though it is additional therapy.
What are the benefits of participation?
The possible benefits of this study include a potential decrease in anxiety over the course of the study, as well as a potential decrease in eating disorder symptoms. Exposure therapy is beneficial for the reduction of anxiety. This study provides no cost therapy that may benefit your health outcomes.
Are there any risks associated with participating?
You may feel anxious or exhausted as a result of the therapy sessions. A study coordinator will always be present during these sessions to help you with any distress you may be experiencing.
How much will I be paid?
One month after you complete the study, you will be asked to complete a follow-up questionnaire. Once this has been completed, you will receive a $60 Visa gift card for your time.
Who can I contact for more information?
Those interested can contact the study principal investigator, Cheri Levinson at cheri.levinson@louisville.edu. Potential participants can also email foodexposurestudy@gmail.com or call the Study Coordinator at (502) 208-9212. Or please use the contact form below to contact us.
