Incorporating Narrative Into the Treatment of Youth With Anorexia Nervosa
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Enrollment
- 8
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Number of participants in each session
Study Overview
Brief Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether a narrative medicine (NM) curriculum can enhance self-expression, reflection, and resilience in adolescents and young adults with anorexia nervosa.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Does participation in an NM curriculum improve self-expression and reflection in individuals with anorexia nervosa?
- Does engaging in creative writing and group discussion promote resilience and emotional processing in this population?
Participants will be 16-25 years old, medically stable for outpatient eating disorder therapy, and actively engaged in treatment. Those with active suicidal ideation, recent non-suicidal self-injury, or a co-occurring personality disorder will not be eligible.
Participants will:
- Attend six weekly workshops (April-May 2025) focused on themes such as self-definition, kindness, resilience, and possibility
- Engage in close reading of visual or written texts
- Complete creative writing exercises in response to prompts
- Participate in group discussions and sharing
An optional capstone reading event will provide a supportive space for participants to share their work with peers, loved ones, and providers, fostering connection and community.
This study aims to explore the role of narrative medicine in eating disorder treatment and assess its potential benefits for psychological well-being and self-expression.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Na
- Intervention Model
- Single Group
- Primary Purpose
- Supportive Care
- Masking
- None
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 16 Years to 25 Years (Child, Adult)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria
- •16-25 years old
- •have a DSM-5 diagnosis of AN (confirmed by the UCSF Eating Disorders Program clinical team),
- •currently engaged in outpatient eating disorder treatment, ensuring medical stability and capacity for a group-based intervention
- •English fluency to engage in reflective writing and discussions
- •Cognitive ability to meaningfully participate in narrative-based exercises
Exclusion Criteria
- •Currently medically unstable or require inpatient hospitalization
- •History of psychosis, schizophrenia spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, or personality disorder
- •Severe neurocognitive impairment that would prevent engagement with the intervention
- •Active suicidal ideation or non-suicidal self-injury within the past two months
- •Insufficient English proficiency to participate in group discussions and writing exercises
Arms & Interventions
Narrative Medicine (NM) Workshop Series
Participants in this study will take part in a six-week Narrative Medicine (NM) curriculum designed to enhance self-expression, reflection, and resilience in individuals with anorexia nervosa. Workshops will be conducted weekly at the UCSF Eating Disorders Program and will include:
- Close reading of visual or written texts related to themes such as self-definition, resilience, kindness, and possibility
- Creative writing exercises in response to structured prompts
- Group discussions and sharing to foster community, connection, and self-expression
Intervention: Narrative Medicine (NM) Workshop Series (Behavioral)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Number of participants in each session
Time Frame: Immediately post-intervention (Week 6)
Feasibility will be measured by participant retention in intervention.
Satisfaction with intervention components using 5-point Likert scales and semi-structured individual interviews
Time Frame: Immediately post-intervention (Week 6)
Acceptability will be measured by questionnaire including 5-point Likert scales and semi-structured individual interviews assessing content relevance, writing prompts, group discussions, and facilitation. Scale title: Intervention Satisfaction Questionnaire (ISQ) Minimum value: 1 (Strongly Disagree) Maximum value: 5 (Strongly Agree) Interpretation: Higher scores indicate greater satisfaction with the intervention (better outcome).
Secondary Outcomes
- Identity Clarity(Pre- (Week 0) and immediately post-intervention (Week 6))
- Social Connectedness(Pre- (Week 0) and immediately post-intervention (Week 6))
- Depression Symptoms(Pre- (Week 0) and immediately post-intervention (Week 6))
- Anxiety Symptoms(Pre- (Week 0) and immediately post-intervention (Week 6))
- Eating Disorder Severity(Pre- (Week 0) and immediately post-intervention (Week 6))