Evidence-based programs in the selective prevention of eating disorders: A systematic review of recent literature
Anna Rita Colasanti, Noemi Solarino
This article aims at examining the latest literature, in the international panorama, relating to efficacy and effectiveness evidence-based programs in the prevention of eating disorders (ED), with specific focus on selective interventions. The research, using electronic database SCOPUS, took into account the articles published in the last 10 years, selected according to the following criteria: research articles published in English, having as an object specific prevention programs addressed to at-risk individuals, through RCT or quasi-RCT trials, with a follow-up period of at least 6 months, producing statistically significant, or at least moderate, results. Programs examined by the metanalysis obtained from database research were also included. The review highlights that the major part of the programs, with variable length from 3-4 to 12-16 sessions, prefer small-group interventions and it is oriented to promoting resistance to culturally-drive thinness, body acceptance and satisfaction, the healthy weight control ability, as well as to reducing negative affects, thin-ideal internalization and dieting behaviour. Finally, directions for future research are discussed, as well as implications in the educational field.
Keywords
Eating disorders, ED selective prevention interventions, evidence-based programs.