Critical Evaluation of School-Based Eating Disorder Prevention Programs

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Critical Evaluation of School-Based Eating Disorder Prevention Programs

Nicholas William Schroeder: 100487344

Swinburne University of Technology

Subject: PSY20003, Psychology of Adolescence

Due Date: 15-JAN-17

Tutor: Danielle

Word Count: 1036

Butterfly Education

Butterfly Education is a school and community based prevention program that provides young people between the ages of 5 and 19 years of age with the opportunity to participate in workshops and presentations that address the critical issues involved with eating disorders and body image. The workshops and presentations are divided into six groups which are designed to be age appropriate depending on the age of the participants.

Children in Years 3-4 may attend the “Just as I am” workshop, which teaches them about the power of words, how to understand feelings, and body appreciation. In Years 5-6, children are introduced to the influences of the media in defining a “healthy” body image, and explore what impacts our concepts of self-esteem. From Years 7-8, adolescents learn about the role that friends have in defining body image and learn about the further influences of the media. In Years 8-10, adolescents learn about healthy eating and exercise habits, and the potential dangers of dieting. Later, in Years 9-10, adolescents explore the influences of social media and advertising upon defining body image, and learn about the impacts of fat-talk. Finally, adolescents in Years 11-12 may attend “A body esteem workshop” which teaches them about how to support someone suffering from an eating disorder and learn about the importance of positive role modelling.

All in all, these sessions are designed to educate young people about the impacts of self-esteem, the support networks that are available to them, the role of the media, advertising and social media in defining body image, and the importance of a healthy attitude towards food and exercise.

Critical Evaluation of School-Based Eating Disorder Prevention Programs

A prevention program is a form of intervention that is designed to prevent the outbreak of health problems before they occur within a given population. By educating the population – in this example, higher school students – about the risks associated with certain health behaviours and practices, and by providing the tools to help them avoid risk factors, prevention programs are able to help adolescents make more informed health decisions.

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