An Interactionist Model of Self-Concept and Eating Habits

Abstract

Our aim was to determine whether a negative self-concept and unhealthy eating habits of adolescents could improve after being exposed to a psycho-educational programme involving cognitive-behaviour therapy and hypnotherapy. A qualitative investigation was done with nine adolescents ranging between 12 and 18 years of age. An initial situation analysis was done to identify adolescents with unhealthy eating habits and problematic self-concepts. Support was given in a number of individual and group therapy sessions, focusing on eating habits, cognitive distortions and self-concept. From the evaluation of the outcome of the intervention, it appears that the proposed Interactionist Model of Self-concept and Eating Habits can be used as an effective therapeutic instrument in a psycho-educational intervention programme when working with adolescents with unhealthy eating habits and problematic self-concepts.