{Reference Type}: Randomized Controlled Trial
{Title}: Therapeutic alliance in two forms of guided self-help for binge eating.
{Author}: Jenkins PE;Wake S;
{Journal}: Clin Psychol Psychother
{Volume}: 31
{Issue}: 1
{Year}: 2024 Jan-Feb
{Factor}: 3.198
{DOI}: 10.1002/cpp.2959
{Abstract}: The role of therapeutic alliance within psychological treatments for eating disorders (EDs), including those delivered remotely, is well established. However, few studies have investigated alliance in guided self-help, a widely recommended first-line treatment for EDs characterised by regular binge eating. Using data from a randomised controlled trial, the current study examined both facilitator and patient assessments of alliance within e-mail-assisted and face-to-face guided self-help and looked at associations between alliance, ED symptoms and ED-related impairment. One hundred thirteen patients and 11 facilitators completed measures of alliance during and following a course of guided self-help. Whilst ratings were reliable across patients and facilitators, alliance scores were higher both in the patient sample and in the face-to-face condition. Ratings of alliance showed no correlations with ED symptoms at post-treatment, and early alliance was not significantly associated with outcome, which could inform how early symptom change is encouraged in guided self-help.