SIG Mission Statement
The ABCT EDEB SIG is a multidisciplinary group of behavioral professionals with clinical and research interests in factors related to body image, weight, health behaviors, and eating disorders. The purpose of the EDEB SIG is to foster communication and interaction among researchers and clinicians with shared interests in the characterization, prevention, and treatment of eating disorders and the promotion of health behaviors. SIG members engage in research and clinical work within a variety of topics including body image, disordered eating and eating disorders, weight stigma, weight, and weight management, and include exploration of assessment, risk factors, and intervention. Members bring a wide range of expertise in biobehavioral, clinical, epidemiological and physiological aspects of eating-related disorders, making for lively and informative interaction.
ABCT Annual Convention
ABCT Convention
One of the primary goals of the SIG is to increase representation of eating disorders, body image, weight, and health behaviors research and clinical discussions at the annual ABCT Convention. Members can present a SIG-sponsored event (panel discussion, symposium, roundtable, or workshop) at the annual conference. In order to receive official sponsorship from the SIG, potential presenters can submit their abstract for review to the SIG leadership team prior to the formal ABCT submission deadline. Information about the procedures and due dates for SIG sponsorship is disseminated annually through the SIG's listserv. Members are also strongly encouraged to contact the leadership team or to email the listserv if they are interested in collaboration across disciplines or institutions.
SIG Expo at ABCT
For individuals who are interested in submitting a poster abstract after the general ABCT submission deadline has passed, the SIG Expo is an excellent opportunity to disseminate your late-breaking research findings. The SIG Expo offers a chance to network with other researchers and healthcare professionals during a cocktail event. Each year, there are up to 12 slots available for poster presentations, as well as 1 slot available for a trainee flash talk. The deadline changes each year, but is typically in mid-August. Please find abstract submission instructions for the annual SIG Expo below.
Annual Awards
Each year, the SIG offers a variety of awards to members on a rotating basis, some of which come with a monetary component. Descriptions for each can be found below.
Annual SIG Meeting
At each ABCT conference, the SIG membership holds its annual meeting. This agenda-driven meeting provides members with the opportunity to a) review the activities of the past year and our progress toward the SIG mission, b) plan SIG activities for the coming year, and c) present SIG awards. Most importantly, our annual meeting enables members to collaborate on potential research abstracts and clinical presentations for the next ABCT conference.
SIG Awards
Poster Competition
The highest rated poster submission receives the Best Poster Award and $50. Abstracts for the poster competition and GSRA (below) can be submitted simultaneously if desired.
Graduate Student Research Award
The highest rated abstract by a graduate student in the poster competition will receive the GSRA. The annual GSRA recipient presents their work as a talk at our annual SIG meeting. The GSRA recipient also receives $100. Abstracts for the poster competition (above) and GSRA can be submitted simultaneously if desired.
Diversity Research Award
The Diversity Research Award is designed to award research excellence in diverse trainees studying eating behaviors who are also members of underrepresented groups in academia. The award is for up to $200 and is designed to assist with the cost of registration. The winner will also receive formal recognition at our annual SIG meeting.