Indicated prevention of eating disorders: development and evaluation of a group program

Abstract

Eating disorders represent a great challenge for therapeutic and medical personnel as well as for the entire health system. An especially alarming phenomenon is the increasing frequency and earlier occurrence of sub-clinical symptoms of eating disorders. Preventive measures can be taken to avoid the development of a full-syndromal eating disorder. The aim of this study was therefore to develop and systematically evaluate an ambulatory group program for the indicated prevention of eating disorders based on previous research of symptomatology, risk factors, therapy and prevention of eating disorders.

The group program for girls and young women was evaluated with a small sample during a pilot study. The results of this pilot study indicated that participation in the group program reduces problematic eating behavior and improves attitudes towards weight and shape as well as the participants self-esteem. Based on the experience gained from the pilot study and the feedback from the participants, necessary changes to the program contents were made prior to the evaluation of the program with a larger sample.

The evaluation of the programs effectiveness (main study) was carried out with 36 participants using a pre-posttest-waitlist-controlgroup-design with a follow-up after six months. While only a tendency towards positive change was observable directly after the completion of the prevention program, significant improvements in the eating behavior and attitudes towards weight and shape, in the general and physical self-esteem and in the knowledge about eating disorders and healthy eating could be shown after the six-months follow-up period. Through the program it was achieved to prevent participants from the development of a full-syndromal eating disorder and to stabilize and enhance their self-esteem and their personal resources.