KVT-E Youth
Summary
Binge-Eating Disorder (BED) is one of the most common eating disorders among adolescents, young adults, and adults. It is characterized by recurring episodes of eating objectively large amounts of food within a limited time period (for example, over two hours). Individuals affected by BED experience a loss of control during these episodes and are unable to stop eating.This perceived loss of control is often accompanied by strong feelings of guilt and shame as well as a negative body image. Over time, BED may lead to an increase in body mass index (BMI), which can cause additional physical and psychological consequences. A diagnosis of BED, according to internationally recognized diagnostic systems, requires binge-eating episodes to occur on average at least once per week over a period of three months. Among adolescents, precursors to BED often appear in the form of loss of control eating (LOC), where the amount of food consumed varies and is not always objectively large. Research has shown that the distress and psychological consequences of LOC are comparable to those of full BED.
Intended Use
KVT-E is a structured training program that helps participants step-by-step understand and manage their eating behavior.
Information for Practitioners
KVT-E supports mental health professionals in providing training that helps patients manage binge-eating symptoms — either to prevent mental disorders, as a preparation for disorder-specific therapy, or to enhance the effects of existing treatments for eating or anxiety disorders.
Key Data
Age group: from 14 years
Languages: German (Swiss), French (Swiss)
Structure: 1 introductory session, 6 therapy sessions, 2 booster sessions
Screeners: Emotion Regulation Weekly Questionnaire (EWQ), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4), Working Alliance Inventory (WAI)Online
General Content Structure and Automations
Chapters: The intervention is designed as structured learning paths. Each session unlocks sequentially, guiding patients step by step through their therapeutic journey. Progress determines access — once a session is completed, the next becomes available, ensuring a clear and motivating rhythm.
Exercises: Linked exercises are automatically deployed as patients advance. These practical activities are tied directly to the session content, helping translate learning into daily practice and reinforcing progress between appointments.
Reminders: Integrated time-based reminders keep participants on track. Notifications can prompt users to continue sessions, complete exercises, or reflect on progress — supporting regular engagement without overwhelming the experience.
Together, these smart functions create a personalized, continuous flow that blends structure with flexibility — for therapy that truly stays in motion.
Chapters
Chapter 1: Welcome to KVT-E treatment
Chapter 2: Motivation and balanced nutrition
Chapter 3: Setting goals and learning the ABC model
Chapter 4: Understanding binge episodes and the “vicious circle” model
Chapter 5: Craving and the urge to eat, using the ABC model and the emergency card
Chapter 6: Coping with future difficulties and closing session
Exercises
Exercise 1: Self-observation protocol
Exercise 2: Creating a meal plan
Exercise 3: Building the ABC model and identifying triggers for binge episodes
Exercise 4: Goal achievement scale
Exercise 5: Emergency cards
Exercise 6: Dysfunctional thoughts
Authors
Prof. Dr. phil. Simone Munsch — Researcher and psychotherapist, Professor of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy at the Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Switzerland.
Prof. Dr. phil. Nadine Messerli-Bürgy — Researcher and psychotherapist, Professor of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology at the Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
Scientific References
Peter, C., Tuch, A. & Schuler, D. (2023). Psychische Gesundheit – Erhebung Herbst 2022. Wie geht es der Bevölkerung in der Schweiz? Sucht sie bei psychischen Problemen Hilfe? (Obsan Bereicht 03 / 2023). Neuchâtel: Schweizerisches Gesundheitsobservatorium.
Berking, M., Wupperman, P., Reichardt, A., Pejic, T., Dippel, A., & Znoj, H. (2008). Emotion-regulation skills as a treatment target in psychotherapy. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 46(11), 1230–1237. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2008.08.0058
Berking, M., Wupperman, P., Reichardt, A., Pejic, T., Dippel, A., & Znoj, H. (2008). Emotion-regulation skills as a treatment target in psychotherapy. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 46(11), 1230–1237. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2008.08.005
Berking, M., Ebert, D., Cuijpers, P., & Hofmann, S. G. (2013). Emotion regulation skills training enhances the efficacy of inpatient cognitive behavioral therapy for major depressive disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 82(4), 234–245. https://doi.org/10.1159/000348448
Munsch, S., Forrer, F., Naas, A., Müller, V., Rubo, M., Hannoun, F., & Mugellini, E. (2021). Correlates of interpersonal emotion regulation problems in loss of Control Eating (loc) in youth: Study protocol of the combined online and app based questionnaire, laboratory and randomized controlled online intervention I-beat trial. BMC Psychology, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-021-00690-8
Herrero R, Vara MD, Miragall M, Botella C, García-Palacios A, Riper H, Kleiboer A, Baños RM. Working Alliance Inventory for Online Interventions-Short Form (WAI-TECH-SF): The Role of the Therapeutic Alliance between Patient and Online Program in Therapeutic Outcomes. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Aug 25;17(17):6169. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17176169.
Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JB, Löwe B. (2009). An ultra-brief screening scale for anxiety and depression: the PHQ-4. Psychosomatics, 50(6):613-21.https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.psy.50.6.613
Copyright
© 2024 University of Fribourg / © 2024 University of Lausanne / © 2024 SwissDTx GmbH
