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Eating disorder prevention research: a meta-analysis.
Michelle Cororve Fingeret1, Cortney S Warren, Antonio Cepeda-Benito
1Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.
Eating Disorders
|June 30, 2006
Summary
Eating disorder prevention programs show effectiveness, particularly for high-risk individuals. Contrary to concerns, these programs do not appear to cause harm and can improve eating attitudes and behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Eating disorder prevention programs have shown mixed results.
- Concerns exist regarding potential iatrogenic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of eating disorder prevention programs.
- To investigate moderators of intervention effects, including iatrogenic potential.
Main Methods:
- Meta-analysis of existing studies on eating disorder prevention.
- Examination of intervention effects on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.
- Analysis of participant risk levels as a moderator.
Main Results:
- Prevention programs demonstrated large effects on improving knowledge.
- Small net positive effects were observed in reducing maladaptive eating attitudes and behaviors.
- Interventions targeting higher-risk participants yielded greater benefits.
Conclusions:
- Eating disorder prevention programs are effective and do not cause iatrogenic effects.
- Findings support the efficacy of these programs in promoting behavioral improvements.
- Previous reviews underestimating program effectiveness are challenged.