A controlled evaluation of an eating disorders primary prevention videotape using the Elaboration Likelihood Model of Persuasion.
OBJECTIVE
The aim was to extend findings related to a previously reported eating disorders prevention program by comparing treatment and control groups, adding a follow-up, and examining whether receiver characteristics, personal relevance and need for cognition (NFC), could predict attitude change in early adolescent girls.


METHODS
Grade 7 girls were either shown a brief prevention videotape on dieting and body image (n = 104) or given no intervention (n = 114). All girls completed pre-, post- and 1-month follow-up questionnaires.


RESULTS
The intervention group resulted in significantly more positive changes in attitude and knowledge at post-intervention, but only in knowledge at follow-up. There was no strong evidence that pre-intervention characteristics of recipients predicted responses to the videotape intervention when changes were compared to the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
This prevention videotape appeared to have positive immediate effects, but additional intervention (e.g., booster sessions) may be required for longer-term change.
Withers
Giselle F
GF
School of Psychological Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora (Melbourne), Vic 3083, Australia.
Twigg
Kylie
K
Wertheim
Eleanor H
EH
Paxton
Susan J
SJ
D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001828:Body Image; D002648:Child; D003071:Cognition; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010565:Persuasive Communication; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014741:Video Recording