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Volume 27, Issue 4 (winter 2026)
Advances in Cognitive Sciences 2026, 27(4): 1-15 |
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Ethics code: IR.UT.IRICSS.REC.1401.037
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Bakht S, Rezapour T, Sadeghi M, Moradi A. Design and validation of an online episodic future thinking-based intervention and its impact on body mass index and trait food craving in overweight and obese women: A preliminary study. Advances in Cognitive Sciences 2026; 27 (4) :1-15
URL: http://icssjournal.ir/article-1-1750-en.html
URL: http://icssjournal.ir/article-1-1750-en.html
1- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies, Tehran, Iran & Department of Clinical Psychology, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies, Tehran, Iran & Department of Clinical Psychology, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (519 Views)
Introduction: Overweight and obesity are foremost public health concerns. In addition, traditional weight-loss approaches often fail to yield long-term results. Recent studies suggest that Episodic Future Thinking (EFT) can be effective in reducing weight and unhealthy food cravings. The present study aimed to design an online EFT-based intervention and assess its content validity and preliminary effectiveness on Body Mass Index (BMI) and trait food craving among overweight and obese women.
Methods: This mixed-method experimental study, employing a one-group pretest-posttest design, was conducted in 2024. The study population included overweight and obese women, as well as cognitive psychology and weight-management specialists. In the qualitative phase, the initial version of the intervention was reviewed and refined with the participation of five women, followed by content validation by 11 experts. Following content finalization, participants were recruited through social media and screened for eligibility before enrollment. In the quantitative phase, 26 participants completed a five-session online intervention. BMI and food craving were assessed pre- and post-intervention using self-reported weight and height and the Food Craving Questionnaire–Trait. Data analysis involved Content Validity Index (CVI) and paired t-tests.
Results: Results revealed a decrease in mean BMI from 30.61 (SD=4.7) to 29.94 (SD=4.6). The intervention demonstrated acceptable content validity (CVI=0.90), leading to a small reduction in BMI (P=0.568, Cohen’s d=0.008) and a significant reduction in food craving (P< 0.001, Cohen’s d=–0.779).
Conclusion: These findings support the potential of EFT-based online interventions for weight management. However, further studies with larger samples and control groups are required to confirm and generalize these results.
Methods: This mixed-method experimental study, employing a one-group pretest-posttest design, was conducted in 2024. The study population included overweight and obese women, as well as cognitive psychology and weight-management specialists. In the qualitative phase, the initial version of the intervention was reviewed and refined with the participation of five women, followed by content validation by 11 experts. Following content finalization, participants were recruited through social media and screened for eligibility before enrollment. In the quantitative phase, 26 participants completed a five-session online intervention. BMI and food craving were assessed pre- and post-intervention using self-reported weight and height and the Food Craving Questionnaire–Trait. Data analysis involved Content Validity Index (CVI) and paired t-tests.
Results: Results revealed a decrease in mean BMI from 30.61 (SD=4.7) to 29.94 (SD=4.6). The intervention demonstrated acceptable content validity (CVI=0.90), leading to a small reduction in BMI (P=0.568, Cohen’s d=0.008) and a significant reduction in food craving (P< 0.001, Cohen’s d=–0.779).
Conclusion: These findings support the potential of EFT-based online interventions for weight management. However, further studies with larger samples and control groups are required to confirm and generalize these results.
Type of Study: Research |
Received: 2025/01/8 | Accepted: 2025/08/17 | Published: 2026/06/10
Received: 2025/01/8 | Accepted: 2025/08/17 | Published: 2026/06/10
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