Document Type
Post-Print
Publication Date
9-2015
Abstract
Objective
This pilot study investigated the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a peer-led dissonance-based eating disorders (ED) prevention/risk factor reduction program with high school girls.
Method
Ninth grade girls (n = 50) received the peer-led program within the school curriculum. A quasi-experimental design was used to assess changes in ED risk factors preintervention and postintervention compared with waitlist control. Participants were followed through 3-month follow-up.
Results
Peer-leader adherence to an intervention manual tailored for this age group was high. The intervention was rated as highly acceptable, with a large proportion of participants reporting that they enjoyed the program and learned and applied new information. Intervention participants exhibited significantly greater pre-post reductions in a majority of risk-factor outcomes compared to waitlist controls. When groups were combined to assess program effects over time there were significant pre-post reductions in a majority of outcomes that were sustained through 3-month follow-up.
Discussion
This pilot study provides tentative support for the effectiveness of using peer leaders to implement an empirically supported ED risk factor reduction program in a high school setting. Additional research is needed to replicate results in larger, better-controlled trials with longer follow-up.
Identifier
10.1002/eat.22418
Publisher
Wiley-Blackwell
Repository Citation
Ciao, A.C., Latner, J.D., Brown, K.E., Ebneter, D.S., & Becker, C.B. (2015). Effectiveness of a peer-delivered dissonance-based program in reducing eating disorder risk factors in high school girls. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 48(6), 779-784. doi: 10.1002/eat.22418
Publication Information
International Journal of Eating Disorders