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OBJECTIVE: The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate a new school-based eating disorder prevention program designed to reduce dietary restraint. METHOD: Forty-six school-girls, aged 13-14 years, took part. The intervention consisted of eight weekly sessions of 45 min duration. A battery of self-report questionnaires was administered before and after the intervention and 6 months later. RESULTS: Unlike previous prevention studies, there was not only an increase in knowledge at postintervention but there was also a decrease in target behavior and attitudes. However, these effects were short-lived since they had disappeared 6 months later: indeed, at 6-month follow-up there was an increase in dietary restraint compared with baseline. DISCUSSION: These findings suggest that the intervention had been counterproductive since it led to an increase in dietary restraint. They imply that school-based prevention programs may do more harm than good.

Type

Journal article

Journal

Int J Eat Disord

Publication Date

09/1997

Volume

22

Pages

167 - 172

Keywords

Adolescent, Feeding and Eating Disorders, Female, Follow-Up Studies, Health Education, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Humans, Pilot Projects, Primary Prevention, Program Evaluation, School Health Services, Surveys and Questionnaires