Modification of eating attitudes and behavior in adolescent girls: A controlled study.

Journal article

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a school-based eating disorder prevention program designed to reduce dietary restraint and concern about shape and weight among adolescent girls. METHOD: A total of 474 girls aged 13-14 years received the program as part of their normal school curriculum. An assessment-only control group included 386 pupils. Measures of eating disorder features, self-esteem, and knowledge were administered before and after the intervention and at 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: Immediately following the intervention, there was a small reduction in dietary restraint and attitudes to shape and weight in the index group, whereas there was no change in the control group. This reduction was not maintained at 6-month follow-up although the dietary restraint scores of the index group remained lower than those of the control group. DISCUSSION: This prevention program achieved change in eating attitudes and behavior, although the change was modest in size and not sustained. Focusing on a high-risk subgroup of dieters might be a more fruitful primary prevention strategy.

Authors: Stewart, D; Carter, J; Drinkwater, J; Hainsworth, J; Fairburn, C

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: International journal of eating disorders
• Volume: 29
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 107-118
• Publication date: 2001-03-01
• DOI: 10.1002/1098-108x(200103)29:2<107::aid-eat1000>3.0.co;2-1
• EISSN: 1098-108X
• ISSN: 0276-3478
• Language: English
• Keywords: Humans; Female; Attitude; Behavior Therapy; Follow-Up Studies; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Diet; Body Image; Eating Disorders; Adolescent; Self Concept