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


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
The results demonstrate mixed support for the Girls' Group prevention program. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Scime
Melinda
M
Center for Children and Families, University at Buffalo (SUNY), Buffalo, New York 14214, USA. mscime2@buffalo.edu
Cook-Cottone
Catherine
C
D002648:Child; D003479:Curriculum; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D011322:Primary Prevention; D011603:Psychophysiology; D012574:Schools; D020377:Self Efficacy; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015013:Yoga