Primary prevention of eating disorders: A constructivist integration of mind and body strategies

Oct 23; [Epub ahead of print]

OBJECTIVE:: This study investigated the impact of a primary prevention program for eating disorders aimed at fifth-grade females. The curriculum was based on empirically validated risk and protective factors and incorporated interactive discourse, yoga, and relaxation into 10 weekly sessions.

METHOD:: Pre- and post-test data from five groups conducted over 2 years were combined for a total of 75 participants. Data were also collected from 69 control group participants.

RESULTS:: Results indicate completion of the group resulted in a significant decrease on scales from the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 measuring body dissatisfaction and bulimia, as well as an increase on the Social scale of the Multidimensional Self-Concept Scale.

CONCLUSION:: The results demonstrate mixed support for the Girls' Group prevention program. Implications for practice and future research are discussed. (c) 2007 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2007