Motivation-Oriented Versus Psychoeducation-Oriented Day Hospital Treatment for Eating Disorders

The motivation-oriented treatment condition is intended to create a context for treatment that is patient-centered, non-judgmental, and will create a therapeutic environment wherein patients can make an informed decision around their goals for treatment and their willingness to commit to the behavioural changes required for recovery from an eating disorder. In general, MI is a psychotherapeutic stance aimed at helping patients in resolving ambivalence toward change and increasing their intrinsic motivation to engage in healthy behaviour choices.

The psychoeducation-oriented treatment condition is intended to teach patients about the causes of eating disorders, the expected course of recovery, obstacles to recovery, and the importance of behavioural changes required for recovery from an eating disorder. In this condition, in order to maximize the differences between groups, no attention will be given to discussing the patient's stage of change, their level of motivation, or their own personal values around recovery. Rather, emphasis during individual meetings with their therapist will be on the importance of symptom abstinence and normal eating.