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Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
Girls on the Run: improvements in self-esteem, body size satisfaction and eating attitudes/behaviors
R DiGioacchino DeBate1, S H Thompson
1School of Community and Environmental Health, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA. rdebate@odu.edu
Abstract:
A pilot assessment of a curriculum-based running program geared for girls 8-12 years old (n=322) was implemented to assess influences regarding psychological risk factors leading to disordered eating among girls who participate in sports. Utilizing a pretest/posttest study design, researchers administered questionnaires in pre-program session T(1), and post-program T(2). Statistical tests on self-esteem (t=-10.628, p<0.05), body size satisfaction (t=4.359, p<0.05), and eating attitudes/behaviors (t=4.806, p<0.05) revealed statistically significant improvements from baseline to post program. A sport-training program supplemented with a wellness curriculum may be an effective primary prevention program for disordered eating attitudes and behaviors.
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