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Murray K, Davey J, Dennis M, Harris D, Hayman E, Rieger E. The effect of appearance and functionality concerns, and weight status, on negative body image mental health literacy in women. Body Image 2024; 49:101703. [PMID: 38502983 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Few studies have investigated community knowledge and beliefs about negative body image. Yet, low rates of recognition and help-seeking for body image concerns have been reported. Given the prevalence of body image problems and associated mental health risks in women, the current online study investigated negative body image mental health literacy in 260 women aged 18 to 64 years recruited via Prolific. The mental health literacy paradigm was employed in a 2 × 2 experimental design in which the effect of a target's domain of body image concern (appearance versus body functionality) and weight status ("normal weight" versus "overweight") was assessed on problem recognition, beliefs, and help-seeking recommendations. Overall, low symptom recognition was observed, and ratings for beliefs and help-seeking suggested low levels of stigma. However, significantly greater sympathy and lifestyle support recommendations were observed in the overweight compared to normal weight condition, and a domain × weight interaction suggested significantly fewer negative emotional reactions in the appearance overweight condition compared to appearance normal weight, and functionality overweight, conditions. The findings suggest a need for education about body image independent of weight status in women. Future research would benefit from examining diverse samples, broader functionality concerns, and stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Murray
- School of Medicine and Psychology, 39 University Avenue, Australian National University, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia.
| | - Jack Davey
- School of Medicine and Psychology, 39 University Avenue, Australian National University, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Mosa Dennis
- School of Medicine and Psychology, 39 University Avenue, Australian National University, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Darcy Harris
- School of Medicine and Psychology, 39 University Avenue, Australian National University, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Erin Hayman
- School of Medicine and Psychology, 39 University Avenue, Australian National University, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Rieger
- School of Medicine and Psychology, 39 University Avenue, Australian National University, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
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Prevention and early intervention in eating disorders: findings from a rapid review. J Eat Disord 2023; 11:38. [PMID: 36899428 PMCID: PMC9999654 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-023-00758-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eating disorders (EDs) are complex psychological disorders, with low rates of detection and early intervention. They can lead to significant mental and physical health complications, especially if intervention is delayed. Given high rates of morbidity and mortality, low treatment uptake, and significant rates of relapse, it is important to examine prevention, early intervention, and early recognition initiatives. The aim of this review is to identify and evaluate literature on preventative and early intervention programs in EDs. METHODS This paper is one of a series of Rapid Reviews, designed to inform the Australian National Eating Disorders Research and Translation Strategy 2021-2031, funded, and released by the Australian Government. To provide a current and rigorous review, peer-reviewed articles between 2009 and 2021 published in English were searched across three databases: ScienceDirect, PubMed and Ovid/Medline. Priority was given to high-level evidence including meta-analyses, systematic reviews, Randomised Control Trials, and large population studies. Findings from selected studies pertaining to prevention and early intervention in EDs were evaluated and are presented in this review. RESULTS In total, 130 studies were identified in the current review, 72% relating to prevention and 28% to early intervention. Most programs were theory-driven and targeted one or more ED risk factors such as thin-ideal internalisation and/or body dissatisfaction. There is reasonable evidence to support prevention programs reducing risk factors, particularly as part of school or university-based programs, with established feasibility and relatively high acceptance among students. There is increasing evidence around the use of technology (to increase dissemination potential) and for use of mindfulness approaches (targeting emotional resilience). Few longitudinal studies assessing incident cases following participation in a prevention program exist. CONCLUSIONS Although several prevention and early intervention programs have been shown to significantly reduce risk factors, promote symptom recognition, and encourage help-seeking behaviour, most of these studies have been conducted in older adolescent and university aged students, past the age of peak ED onset. One of the most targeted risk factors, body dissatisfaction, is found in girls as young as 6 years old, indicating a need for further research implementing prevention initiatives at younger ages. Follow-up research is limited; thus, the long-term efficacy and effectiveness of studied programs is unknown. Greater attention should be paid to the implementation of prevention and early intervention programs in identified high-risk cohorts or diverse groups, where a more targeted approach may be necessary.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Delayed diagnosis, gaps in services and subsequent delays in specialist care and treatment lead to poorer health outcomes for individuals with eating disorders (EDs) and drive significant government healthcare expenditure. Given the significant disease burden associated with EDs, it is imperative that current implementation research is summarised to identify gaps in care and enable refinement for optimal patient outcomes. This review aimed to provide an updated synthesis on models of care for EDs in developed healthcare systems. METHODS This paper was conducted as part of a series of Rapid Reviews (RRs) to be published in a special series in the Journal of Eating Disorders. To provide a current and rigorous review, peer-reviewed articles published in the English language between 2009 and 2021 across three databases (ScienceDirect, PubMed and Ovid/Medline) were searched, with priority given to higher level evidence (e.g., meta-analyses, large population studies, Randomised Control Trials (RCTs)). The current review synthesises data from included studies investigating models of care for people with EDs. RESULTS Sixty-three studies (4.5% of the original RR) were identified, which included several diagnostic populations, the most common being Anorexia Nervosa (AN) (30.51%). Across EDs, specialist care was found to improve patient outcomes, with many patients effectively being treated in outpatient or day programs with multi-disciplinary teams, without the need for lengthy inpatient hospitalisation. Few studies investigated the interaction of different ED services (e.g., inpatient, community services, primary care), however stepped care models emerged as a promising approach to integrate ED services in a targeted and cost-effective way. Issues surrounding low treatment uptake, underdiagnosis, long waiting lists and limited hospital beds were also evident across services. CONCLUSION Findings suggested further research into alternatives to traditional inpatient care is needed, with partial and shorter 'hospitalisations' emerging as promising avenues. Additionally, to tackle ongoing resource issues and ensure timely detection and treatment of EDs, further research into novel alternatives, such as active waiting lists or a greater role for primary care clinicians is needed. This paper is part of a larger Rapid Review series carried out to guide Australia's National Eating Disorders Research and Translation Strategy 2021-2031. Rapid reviews aim to thoroughly summarise an area of research over a short time period, typically to help with policymaking in this area. This Rapid Review summarises the evidence relating to how we care for people with eating disorders in Western healthcare systems. Topics covered include inpatient/hospital care, residential care, day programs, outpatient/community care, and referral pathways. Findings suggested specialist eating disorder services may enhance detection, referral, and patient care. Stepped care models presented as a cost-effective approach which may help with linkage between different eating disorder services. There was a trend towards shorter hospital stays and approaches which allow for greater connection with the community, such as day programs. Evidence was also found of treatment delays, due to system issues (long waiting lists, lack of accurate assessment and diagnosis) and patient-related barriers (stigma, recognition). Upskilling and involving primary care clinicians in diagnosis and referral as part of a stepped care model may help to address some of these concerns. Further efforts to improve mental health literacy and de-stigmatise help-seeking for eating disorders are needed.
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Abstract
PURPOSE Early detection of eating disorders (EDs) could improve their prognosis, decrease morbidity and mortality, and prevent the risk of evolution towards a chronic form and somatic, psychiatric and psychosocial complications. The objective of this review was to examine the current scientific data concerning the early detection of EDs, which is one of the facets of secondary prevention. METHOD A scoping literature review was carried out following the PRISMA-ScR criteria, including all articles on ED detection published up to 2021 on PUBMED and PSYCINFO. RESULTS 43 articles were included. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa were the most widely studied disorders. The articles focused on professionals from the medical field (GPs, psychiatrists, gynaecologists, gastroenterologists and residents), from the paramedical field, from education and sport, and from the general population. The assessments conducted with the professionals receiving interventions aiming to improve detection demonstrated their efficacy. Interventions for ED detection in the general population and at school seemed less efficacious. CONCLUSION The results highlighted some lines of action to be implemented. They pointed towards improving initial and continuing education for professional carers; e-learning could be an interesting solution for continuing education. Improving training with specific instructors, school personnel and sports professionals is also one of the solutions for a better detection of EDs. Specific recommendations could be published for fitness centre professionals to help them to deal with clients suspected of having an ED. Among secondary school students and in the general population, a better dissemination of mental health literacy and the development of mental health first aid programs could help improve early detection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level I: Evidence obtained from systematic reviews.
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Sangiorgio C, Blackstone SR, Herrmann LK. College student attitudes and strategies for intervention with a hypothetical peer exhibiting disordered eating. Int J Eat Disord 2021; 54:1486-1492. [PMID: 33999435 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study assesses stigma, attitudes, and strategies of college students in intervening with peers demonstrating disordered eating behaviors. METHOD Four hundred and eighty nine college students (384 women) completed questionnaires that assessed eating disorder symptoms and bystander attitudes adapted for disordered eating. Participants read one of three vignettes of a 20-year-old hypothetical peer displaying symptoms of disordered eating aligned with bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, or binge-eating disorder; participants then described whether the vignette subject had a problem, what the problem was, and strategies for intervention. Relationships among eating disorder history, bystander attitudes, demographics, and intention to intervene in disordered eating were assessed using descriptive and regressive analyses; peer intervention strategies were organized and evaluated for frequencies of responses. RESULTS Demographics (female-identification) and familiarity with disordered eating were associated with likelihood to intervene in disordered eating. Most students recognized that the peer had a problem, but fewer than half believed the problem was disordered eating; nearly a quarter (22%) of the students stated that they would be uncomfortable talking to a peer about disordered eating. The majority of students cited vague or nonproblem-related intervention strategies (62%), followed by emotion-focused strategies (22.5%), or body and behavior-focused strategies (15%). DISCUSSION College students, particularly women and those with previous exposure to eating disorders, are likely to intervene peers disordered eating. However, students tend to use vague or body-focused intervention strategies. Bystander intervention training that provides rationale and rehearsal for supportive communication strategies is needed to address students' lack of intervention skills, particularly among men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste Sangiorgio
- Department of Psychology, St. John's University-Queens Campus, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sarah R Blackstone
- College of Health and Behavioral Studies, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Lynn K Herrmann
- Department of Public Health and Health Education, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, USA
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The Impact of Mental Health Literacy Training Programs on the Mental Health Literacy of University Students: a Systematic Review. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2021; 23:648-662. [PMID: 34272642 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-021-01283-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Student mental health is of growing concern for the university education sector. Supporting opportunities to increase mental health literacy of students is one strategy in which universities and colleges are actively investing to support students build their capacity to be well. This study is a systematic review of mental health literacy training (MHLT) programs, other than Mental Health First Aid training, to examine their impact on the mental health literacy of university students. The review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) (Online Resource 1) and A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR2) guidelines. Search terms related to mental health literacy concepts, mental health literacy training and university students were used in four major databases (i.e. EBSCOhost, Ovid, ProQuest and Web of Science), retrieving a total of 1219 articles, with 44 studies selected for full-text review, and a final number of 24 studies included for review based on pre-determined eligibility criteria. Results were reported against three main themes: types of MHLT offered; common practices, processes and implementation elements; and effectiveness of intervention. Results indicate a high level of variability in approaches to mental health literacy interventions and measures of assessment and reporting. Additionally, reported benefits to mental health literacy failed to report on comparable units of improvement or the sustainability of benefits. Although it is in the best interest of universities to prioritise early intervention programs to address mental health and improve wellbeing, more robust data is required to establish the effectiveness of MHLT programs in achieving this aim.
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Choudhry FR, Ming LC, Munawar K, Zaidi STR, Patel RP, Khan TM, Elmer S. Health Literacy Studies Conducted in Australia: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E1112. [PMID: 30925706 PMCID: PMC6479782 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16071112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Health literacy (HL) is an essential component of various literacies mentioned in the field of health and education, including cultural, technological, media and scientific literacies. It is important for motivating higher consumer engagement. We aimed to review previous studies of HL in Australia to inform future studies, extend current knowledge and further enhance HL. Using search strings, a systematic search of four databases (i.e., MEDLINE; Embase; CINAHL and Eric) was carried out. A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) based search strategy led to identification of a total of N = 9696 records, that were further screened for inclusion in the review. The review findings were categorized into three major themes: (1) HL and health numeracy; (2) contrast of: knowledge deficiency, knowledge gained, problems of current health care system and (3) HL measurement methods and its domains. The findings from this scoping review show a dearth of measurement tools with sound psychometric properties for assessing HL. The findings also reveal low levels of HL in consumers which is in turn affecting health-related behaviors, utilization of health services and navigation of the health system. More recent developments have tried to integrate vital aspects, including introduction of applications to increase HL and exploring HL in Aboriginal communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahad Riaz Choudhry
- National Institute of Psychology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan.
- Department of Psychology, Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 53100, Malaysia.
| | - Long Chiau Ming
- Pharmacy, School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7005, Australia.
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Quest International University Perak, Ipoh 30250, Perak, Malaysia.
| | - Khadeeja Munawar
- Department of Psychology, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Monash University, Sunway City 47500, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Department of Psychology, University of Wah, Punjab 47000, Pakistan.
| | | | - Rahul P Patel
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Quest International University Perak, Ipoh 30250, Perak, Malaysia.
| | - Tahir Mehmood Khan
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Lahore 54700, Pakistan.
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Sunway City 45700, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Shandell Elmer
- School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston 7250, Australia.
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Sebastian J, Richards D. Changing stigmatizing attitudes to mental health via education and contact with embodied conversational agents. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2017.03.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Doley JR, Hart LM, Stukas AA, Petrovic K, Bouguettaya A, Paxton SJ. Interventions to reduce the stigma of eating disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Eat Disord 2017; 50:210-230. [PMID: 28230911 DOI: 10.1002/eat.22691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Stigma is a problem for individuals with eating disorders (EDs), forming a barrier to disclosure and help-seeking. Interventions to reduce ED stigma may help remove these barriers; however, it is not known which strategies (e.g., explaining etiology to reduce blame, contact with a person with an ED, or educating about ED) are effective in reducing stigma and related outcomes. This review described effectiveness of intervention strategies, and identified gaps in the literature. A search of four databases was performed using the terms (eating disorder* OR bulimi* OR anorexi* OR binge-eating disorder) AND (stigma* OR stereotyp* OR beliefs OR negative attitudes) AND (program OR experiment OR intervention OR education), with additional texts sought through LISTSERVs. Two raters screened papers, extracted data, and assessed quality. Stigma reduction strategies and study characteristics were examined in critical narrative synthesis. Exploratory meta-analysis compared the effects of biological and sociocultural explanations of EDs on attitudinal stigma. Eighteen papers were eligible for narrative synthesis, with four also eligible for inclusion in a meta-analysis. Biological explanations reduced stigma relative to other explanations, including sociocultural explanations in meta-analysis (g = .47, p < .001). Combined education and contact interventions improved stigma relative to control groups or over time. Most studies examined Anorexia Nervosa (AN) stigma and had mostly female, undergraduate participants. Despite apparent effectiveness, research should verify that biological explanations do not cause unintentional harm. Future research should evaluate in vivo contact, directly compare education and contact strategies, and aim to generalize findings across community populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna R Doley
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Laura M Hart
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Melbourne School of Global and Population Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Arthur A Stukas
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Katja Petrovic
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Susan J Paxton
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Eating disorders in the context of preconception care: fertility specialists’ knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practices. Fertil Steril 2017; 107:494-501. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Doley JR, Hart LM, Stukas AA, Morgan AJ, Rowlands DL, Paxton SJ. Development of guidelines for giving community presentations about eating disorders: a Delphi study. J Eat Disord 2017; 5:54. [PMID: 29201365 PMCID: PMC5697432 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-017-0183-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concerns exist around how to talk about eating disorders (EDs) due to evidence that suggests discussing ED symptoms and behaviours may cause or worsen symptoms in vulnerable people. Using expert consensus, we developed a set of guidelines for giving safe community presentations about EDs. METHODS Participants with professional ED expertise, and people with lived experience of an ED, were recruited for a Delphi study. N = 26 panel members rated 367 statements for both a) inclusion in guidelines, and b) their potential to be helpful (increase knowledge, reduce stigma) or harmful (increase stigma, cause/worsen ED symptoms). After each round of the study, statements were classified as endorsed, re-rate, or not endorsed. RESULTS 208 statements were endorsed by the panel over three rounds. 13 statements were strongly endorsed in the first round, with both people with lived experience and professionals agreeing it is important for presentations to include information on etiology of EDs and to promote help-seeking. Several statements had a high level of disagreement between those with lived experience and professionals, including the idea that presentations should suggest dieting is likely to result in weight gain. DISCUSSION The experts were able to develop consensus on a wide range of issues. Panel members, particularly people with lived experience, were sensitive to aspects of presentations that may be harmful to an audience. The guidelines fill an important gap in the literature and provide guidance to those educating the public about EDs; they should, however, be further evaluated to test their efficacy.
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Thombs DL, Gonzalez JMR, Osborn CJ, Rossheim ME, Suzuki S. Resident assistant training program for increasing alcohol, other drug, and mental health first-aid efforts. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2015; 16:508-17. [PMID: 25322950 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-014-0515-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In college and university residence halls, resident assistants (RAs) are expected to serve as first-aid providers to students who may have alcohol, other drug, mental health, and academic problems. Despite this responsibility, evidence-based, first-aid programs have not been developed and tested for the RA workforce. The current study examined effects of an investigational first-aid program designed specifically for RAs. The online Peer Hero Training program is a novel approach to RA training in its use of interactive video dramatizations of incidents involving substance-using or distressed residents. A 9-month randomized trial conducted on eight US campuses compared RAs who participated in the Peer Hero Training program to RAs who received training-as-usual. Participation in the Peer Hero Training program significantly increased RA first-aid efforts for residential students who may have had alcohol, other drug, mental health, or academic problems 6 months after baseline. Compared with those in the training-as-usual condition, RAs in the Peer Hero Training program made more than 10 times as many first-aid efforts for possible alcohol problems, almost 14 times the number of first-aid efforts for possible drug use, almost 3 times the number of first-aid efforts for possible mental health problems, and 3 times the number of first-aid efforts for academic problems. There was no evidence that measured RA attitudes mediated the effects of the intervention. Results of this preliminary evaluation trial suggest that online training using interactive video dramatizations is a viable approach to strengthening RAs' ability to provide alcohol, other drugs, and mental health first-aid to undergraduates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis L Thombs
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, Texas Prevention Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107-2699, USA,
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Bentley C, Gratwick-Sarll K, Mond J. Perceived psychosocial impairment associated with eating disorder features: responses to a mental health literacy intervention. J Eat Disord 2015; 3:46. [PMID: 26635962 PMCID: PMC4668649 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-015-0084-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whether and to what extent young adults are aware of the adverse impact of eating disorder features (EDF) on psychosocial functioning is unclear, although such awareness may affect the experience and behavior of sufferers. The aim of the current study was to examine young adults' perceptions of psychosocial impairment associated with EDF, and the potential effect on these perceptions of an eating disorders "mental health literacy" (ED-MHL) intervention. METHODS Undergraduate students (male: n = 35; female: n = 141) completed self-report questionnaires prior to, immediately following, and 3 months after completion of a 3-h ED-MHL intervention. Perceived psychosocial impairment associated with EDF-binge eating, purging, extreme dietary restriction, overvaluation of weight/shape, and excessive exercise-was assessed at each time point. RESULTS At all 3 time points, EDF were considered to have a 'slightly negative' to 'very negative' impact on psychosocial functioning. Prior to the intervention, binge eating, purging and extreme dietary restriction were generally considered to have a greater negative impact than excessive exercise and overvaluation of weight/shape. Three months after the ED-MHL intervention, participants reported greater perceived impairment associated with excessive exercise and overvaluation; while perceptions of psychosocial impairment associated with binge eating, purging and dietary restriction remained largely unchanged. Females perceived greater impairment associated with EDF than males did immediately after the intervention, but not at the 3-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The adverse effects on psychosocial functioning of binge eating, purging and extreme dietary restriction appear to be readily recognized by young people. Awareness of the adverse effects of excessive exercise and overvaluation may be poorer, but amenable to improvement by means of a relatively simple intervention. These features may warrant particular attention in health promotion programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Bentley
- Research School of Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200 Australia
| | | | - Jonathan Mond
- Research School of Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200 Australia ; Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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