EFFECTIVENESS OF GROUP COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY IN REDUCING BINGE EATING SYMPTOMS AND ENHANCING SELF-REGULATION AMONG ADULTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES IN JERUSALEM

Abstract

This research was designed to evaluate the efficacy of a Group Cognitive-Behavioral Therapeutic Program (GCBTP) in alleviating the symptoms of binge eating, and reducing impulsivity while enhancing self-control, delay of gratification, and emotion regulation among adults with T2DM (Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus) in Jerusalem. A quasi-experimental approach with a control and treatment group was utilized. A total of eighteen adults T2DM participated, divided into two groups of nine subjects for the treatment group and the control group. The intervention involved a structured group-based CBT program aimed at changing unhealthy eating habits, impulsive responses, poor delay of gratification and deficits in emotion regulation accompanying binge eating. Four tests namely: Binge Eating Scale (BES), The Impulsivity and Self Control Scale (ISCS) and scales measuring delay of gratification and emotion regulation, were administered pre, post, and post follow-up to assess changes and effects for both groups. Results were encouraging and showed statistical significance between the Test 1 and the Test 2 for the treatment group for all measures. In other words, the treatment group’s rate of binge eating symptoms and impulsivity decreased, while their self-control, delay of gratification and emotion regulation ability increased between the beginning and the end of the treatment. Comparison between the two groups showed a superiority of the treatment group regarding these measures. The changes in binge eating symptoms, the subject matter of the present research, lasted for months after the treatment, and improvement in other measured characteristics maintained over time. It can be thus suggested that group CBT may be an effective form of treatment, particularly when psychological interventions are integrated into diabetes care to address patients’ behavioral patterns and emotional well-being.