Eating Disorder Prevention Curriculum for Parents of Elementary School Children

Abstract

Text: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an eating disorder prevention curriculum aimed at the parents of elementary school children. The curriculum was presented in a series of workshops totaling four hours, and covered obesity, eating disorders, healthful nutrition and exercise, and strategies for parental support of children’s goals. Twenty-six participants representing 3 public elementary schools completed the workshops. Before, following, and three months after the intervention, participants completed an assessment measuring attitudes and behaviors regarding body image, eating, exercise, and communication with their children on these topics. Quantitative data were assessed to compare pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up responses using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Due to the exploratory nature of the research, a p value of 0.10 was used to assess statistical significance. Qualitative data, in the form of freeresponse comments, were coded into categories. An increase in body satisfaction and a decrease in thoughts about food, dieting, and purging were observed following the intervention. Participants were less likely to tell their children to avoid “bad” foods following the intervention. These effects did not remain significant, however, at follow-up. The findings indicate that an eating disorder prevention program for parents has the potential to positively impact children, but longer programs or planned maintenance classes may be necessary for lasting changes. Future studies should be conducted in which the program length is expanded, and a maintenance component is added to provide ongoing practice of learned skills.