This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a contemplative practice called Feeding Your Demons (FYD), based on a secular adaptation of Tibetan Buddhism, in improving psychological well-being, body image, body acceptance, compassion, and self-deconstruction in adult women. Participants will be randomly assigned to either FYD or an active control group practicing mindfulness meditation. Psychological variables will be assessed before and after the intervention, and at a six-month follow-up. Additionally, a qualitative exploration will be conducted through interviews with a subgroup of participants.
Sex assigned female at birth and self-identifies as a woman
Aged between 30 and 60 years
Spanish nationality, or residency in Spain for more than 5 years
Fluent in Spanish
Indicators of eating disorders (ED) or mental health deterioration, determined by the following cut-off points: SCOFF ≥ 2 and PHQ-9 ≥ 10
Formal diagnosis of an eating disorder or any psychiatric condition
Substance use disorder
History of neurological disease diagnosis
Parallel
Feeding your demons practice
BehavioralThe Feeding Your Demons (FYD) is a contemplative practice based on the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, adapted in a secular form. The intervention is online and lasts a total of 8 weeks. During this period, participants will engage in weekly home practice of the FYD method using guided audio. The intervention includes 3 expert-facilitated sessions: an initial individual session, a group session at week 4, and a final group session at week 8.
Mindfulness practice
BehavioralThe control group will undergo an online mindfulness meditation intervention, lasting a total of 8 weeks. It includes 3 expert-facilitated sessions: an initial individual session, a group session at week 4, and a final group session at week 8. Participants will engage in weekly home practice of mindfulness meditation using guided audio.
Delusion of Me Index (DoM)
The primary outcome will be the change in self-related perception from baseline to 6-month follow-up after randomisation. This includes changes in acceptance, decentering, and non-attachment. Participants will complete this measure at three time points: baseline (week 0), post-intervention (week 8), and 6-month follow-up.
Nondual Awareness Dimensional Assessment (NADA)
The primary outcome will be the change in self-related perception from baseline to 6-month follow-up after randomisation. This outcome includes changes in nondual awareness. Participants will complete this measure at three time points: baseline (week 0), post-intervention (week 8), and 6-month follow-up.
Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2)
The second primary outcome will be the change in body image from baseline to 6-month follow-up after randomisation. This includes improvements in positive body image, specifically body appreciation. Participants will complete this measure at three time points: baseline (week 0), post-intervention (week 8), and 6-month follow-up.
Body Shape Questionnaire-10 (BSQ-10)
The second primary outcome will be the change in body image from baseline to 6-month follow-up after randomisation. This includes reductions in negative body image, specifically body dissatisfaction. Participants will complete this measure at three time points: baseline (week 0), post-intervention (week 8), and 6-month follow-up.
Pemberton Happiness Index (PHI)
Change in Psychological Well- Being
SOCS-S Sussex-Oxford Self- Compassion Scale
Change in Self - Compassion
Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ).
Change in Mindfulness
Body Image Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (BI-AAQ-5).
Change in Body Acceptance
Participant Age
Age of participants, measured in years.
Place of Residence
The place of residence (e.g., community or city) of participants will be recorded at baseline.
Education Level
Participants will report their highest completed education level at baseline.
Employment Status
Employment status (e.g., employed, unemployed, student) will be collected at baseline.
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