Acceptability of programs for the prevention of eating disorders

Abstract

Researchers can overcome difficulties with recruitment and implementation encountered by previous eating disorder prevention efforts by understanding targeted groups' opinions about such programs. Treatment acceptability methodology provides a framework to examine the social validity of interventions. Using this methodology, the acceptability of programs was examined with an often-targeted group. The study also assessed opinions of this group about the importance of prevention and methods of implementation. Male and female undergraduates (N = 347) rated the acceptability of sample programs. Results indicated that programs focused on information about eating disorders and their consequences were rated most acceptable. Participants felt programs should be offered to adolescents, within the school system, but ratings of the importance of eating disorder prevention were somewhat disappointing.

Gender Related Differences in Response to “In Favor of Myself” Wellness Program to Enhance Positive Self & Body Image among Adolescents

“…In conclusion, the main objectives of prevention programs conducted in schools should be to identify and criticize the aesthetic beauty model, to develop critical thinking skills and to challenge the glorification of thinness for girls and muscular ideal for boys [8] as well as support self- esteem which relies on other foundations than appearance.…”

“…In Favor of Myself addresses the four main areas that were found effective when incorporated in preventive programs [7]: Education about adolescence, media literacy [8], [9], cognitive dissonance [1], [3], [10] and incorporation of wellness approach [5]–[7]. The overall impact of “in Favor of myself” and the study protocol were published previously [10].…”

“…While boys are concerned with having a muscular body image, girls have beauty ideals that are inseparable from thinness, in most cases below a healthy size [8], [12]. So, for men, being underweight is seen negatively but for women it is desired [13].…”

“…This manuscript describes the gender differences in respect to self-esteem, self-image, body-image, media literacy and contingencies of self-worth among adolescents who participated in a school-based wellness program, In ‘Favor of Myself’. This program focuses on self-esteem, self- image, body-image, media literacy and cognitive dissonance, due to their perception as protecting agents against hazardous behaviors such as eating disorders, alcohol abuse and drugs [8].…”

A Pilot Trial of Confident Body, Confident Child in the United States

“…First, although 92 parents participated in baseline data collection and the first session of the two-part program, only 40 also attended the second session. Historically, it has been difficult to engage parents in prevention programs around eating disorders, with many examples of programs being hindered by small sample sizes (Hart, Cornell et al, 2015; Varnado-Sullivan & Horton, 2006). But as previously noted, the multi-session format of the CBCC program may hinder dissemination in the U.S. population and further adaptations and evaluations are required to better understand how best to meet parental needs.…”