Eating disorder prevention research: a meta-analysis.

Full Abstract

Eating disorder prevention programs have yielded mixed results and are somewhat controversial, primarily because of claims they may produce iatrogenic effects. We used meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of eating disorder prevention programs and investigate moderators of intervention effects. Overall, prevention programs had large effects on improving knowledge and small net effects on reducing maladaptive eating attitudes and behaviors. Studies targeting participants at a relatively higher risk for developing an eating disorder produced greater benefits. Concerns about iatrogenic effects of including psychoeducational material on eating disorders were not supported by the data. These findings challenge conclusions drawn in previous review articles regarding the ineffectiveness of prevention programs and support the ability of eating disorder prevention programs to demonstrate behavioral improvements.

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Author information

Author/s: Cororve Fingeret, Michelle (M); Warren, Cortney S (CS); Cepeda-Benito, Antonio (A); Gleaves, David H (DH);

Affiliation: Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Meta-Analysis

Journal: Eating disorders (Eat Disord), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: -2006 May-Jun; vol 14 (issue 3) : pp 191-213

Dates: Created 2006/06/29; Completed 2006/11/08;

PMID: 16807214, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Eating Disorders - prevention & control

Humans

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