title: Enhancing empowerment in eating disorder prevention: Another examination of the REbeL peer education model.
abstract: Previously validated eating disorder (ED) prevention programs utilize either a targeted or universal approach. While both approaches have shown to be efficacious, implementing either style of program within a school setting remains a challenge. The current study describes an enhanced version of REbeL, a module based, continuous ED prevention program which utilizes a self-selection model of prevention in high school settings. The purpose of this study was to determine if an enhanced empowerment model of REbeL could increase feelings of empowerment and reduce eating disorder risk. We also aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. High school peer-educators self-selected into the semi-manualized dissonance based intervention. Following feedback from a pilot trailed, enhanced peer-led group activities, designed to critique the thin ideal and designed to empower macro-changes in societal structures that emphasize the thin ideal, were added. The study (N=83) indicates that the program appears to be effective at reducing eating disorder risk factors and increasing empowerment. Participants reported reductions in body checking and internalization of the thin ideal.
authors.affiliation: George Mason University, Department of Psychology, 4400 University Drive, 3F5, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States; REbeL, Inc., 12980 Metcalf, Suite 325, Overland Park, KS 66213, United States. Electronic address: lbreitha@gmu.edu.
authors.forename: Lauren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Breithaupt
authors.affiliation: REbeL, Inc., 12980 Metcalf, Suite 325, Overland Park, KS 66213, United States.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Eickman
authors.affiliation: George Mason University, Department of Psychology, 4400 University Drive, 3F5, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States.
authors.forename: Catherine E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Byrne
authors.affiliation: George Mason University, Department of Psychology, 4400 University Drive, 3F5, Fairfax, VA 22030, United States.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fischer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D015146:Midwestern United States; D017145:Models, Educational; D010379:Peer Group; D011209:Power, Psychological; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012574:Schools
keywords: Eating disorder prevention; Empowerment; REbeL peer education