Investigation of Research Supporting the Use of 12-Step Programs in Eating Disorder Recovery

Additional Authors

Toree Baldwin, Medical Student, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University Amanda Stoltz, MD, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University Laura Hunt Trull, PhD, MSW, Center for Rural Health Research, East Tennessee State University

Abstract

12-step programs have demonstrated effectiveness for alcohol use disorders, yet their potential benefit for eating disorders remains largely unexplored. This gap has resulted in their exclusion from educational resources for eating disorder treatment referrals. Our project addressed the question: What evidence exists for the efficacy of 12-step programs in eating disorder recovery? We hypothesized that despite limited research, 12-step programs may offer significant benefits for eating disorder recovery, particularly in addressing barriers to care access in rural areas. To investigate this hypothesis, we conducted a comprehensive literature review using PubMed and PsycINFO databases in July 2024. We employed specific search terms including "12-step," "eating disorder," "compulsive eating," "anorexia," "peer support," "binge-eating disorder," and "bulimia." Two analysts independently extracted data using a pre-defined grid that captured article citations, disorder types, study methodologies, participant numbers, and key findings. This data underwent verification by a senior analyst to ensure accuracy. Our results revealed a significant research gap—of 35 initially identified articles, 29 were excluded due to irrelevancy or lack of empirical evidence, leaving only 6 relevant studies for detailed analysis. This finding confirms our hypothesis regarding limited research while highlighting the critical need for further investigation. We concluded that while existing evidence suggests potential benefits of 12-step programs for eating disorders, rigorous research is necessary to establish efficacy. Our review identifies specific research gaps and provides recommendations for clinicians and policymakers on integrating 12-step approaches into treatment plans. These findings have important implications for improving recovery outcomes and expanding access to care, particularly in underserved areas where traditional treatment options are limited.

Start Time

16-4-2025 9:00 AM

End Time

16-4-2025 11:30 AM

Presentation Type

Poster

Presentation Category

Health

Student Type

Clinical Doctoral Student (e.g., medical student, pharmacy student)

Faculty Mentor

Melissa Robinson, MD

Faculty Department

Medical Education

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Apr 16th, 9:00 AM Apr 16th, 11:30 AM

Investigation of Research Supporting the Use of 12-Step Programs in Eating Disorder Recovery

12-step programs have demonstrated effectiveness for alcohol use disorders, yet their potential benefit for eating disorders remains largely unexplored. This gap has resulted in their exclusion from educational resources for eating disorder treatment referrals. Our project addressed the question: What evidence exists for the efficacy of 12-step programs in eating disorder recovery? We hypothesized that despite limited research, 12-step programs may offer significant benefits for eating disorder recovery, particularly in addressing barriers to care access in rural areas. To investigate this hypothesis, we conducted a comprehensive literature review using PubMed and PsycINFO databases in July 2024. We employed specific search terms including "12-step," "eating disorder," "compulsive eating," "anorexia," "peer support," "binge-eating disorder," and "bulimia." Two analysts independently extracted data using a pre-defined grid that captured article citations, disorder types, study methodologies, participant numbers, and key findings. This data underwent verification by a senior analyst to ensure accuracy. Our results revealed a significant research gap—of 35 initially identified articles, 29 were excluded due to irrelevancy or lack of empirical evidence, leaving only 6 relevant studies for detailed analysis. This finding confirms our hypothesis regarding limited research while highlighting the critical need for further investigation. We concluded that while existing evidence suggests potential benefits of 12-step programs for eating disorders, rigorous research is necessary to establish efficacy. Our review identifies specific research gaps and provides recommendations for clinicians and policymakers on integrating 12-step approaches into treatment plans. These findings have important implications for improving recovery outcomes and expanding access to care, particularly in underserved areas where traditional treatment options are limited.