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Evaluation ViewAttendees 20

Panel Discussions

Eating Disorders

Panel Discussion 7 - Eating Disorder Prevention: Theoretical Foundations and Current Approaches

Friday, November 17, 2023
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PST
Location: Chelan (401), Level 4
Earn 1.5 Credit
Keywords: Body Image, Prevention, LGBTQ+
Recommended Readings:

Ciao, A. C., Munson, B. R., Pringle, K. D., Roberts, S. R., Lalgee, I. A., Lawley, K. A., & Brewster, J. (2021). Inclusive dissonance-based body image interventions for college students: Two randomized-controlled trials of the EVERYbody Project. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 89(4), 301–315. https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp0000636

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Brown, T. A., & Keel, P. K. (2015). A randomized controlled trial of a peer co-led dissonance-based eating disorder prevention program for gay men. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 74, 1-10.

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Cohn, L., Murray, S. B., Walen, A., & Wooldridge, T. (2016). Including the excluded: Males and gender minorities in eating disorder prevention. Eating Disorders, 24(1), 114-120.

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Eating disorders typically develop in adolescence and disproportionately affect those with marginalized sexual- or gender-identities. Eating disorders are at an all-time high following COVID-19, and disparities among youth and LGBTQ+ populations were exacerbated. Prevention is more critical now than ever. Dissonance-based protocols (e.g., the Body Project) have a robust evidence-base, yet were primarily designed for cisgender women and girls. In this panel, body image scholars will describe conceptual and ethical considerations for applying existing theories to vulnerable populations, introducing tailored protocols that promote joy in one’s identity, regardless of one’s weight or appearance.
Panelists will first describe the cognitive-behavioral theory underlying dissonance-based protocols. Panelists will then present adaptations for five populations whose body image concerns were not addressed by standard protocols: (1) the PRIDE Body Project, a protocol for gay men that targets muscularity concerns; (2) Freeform, a program for transgender and gender diverse adults that focuses on the intersection of gender identity and appearance ideals; (3) the EVERYBody Project, a gender-, sexuality-, and racially-inclusive protocol for college students; (4) Proud to Be Me, a protocol for LGBTQ+ adolescents that encourages body-esteem related to one’s identity; and (5) the Body Justice Project, a social justice-focused protocol co-designed by diverse middle school students and staff. Moderators will facilitate discussion regarding: the pros and cons of inclusive vs. tailored approaches; requirements for culturally responsive and gender affirming care; pathways for dissemination and community partnerships; and future directions for the eating disorders field.
Together, this panel will offer a comprehensive and nuanced view of eating disorder prevention, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the field while revealing future directions for research and clinical care. Attendees will leave with an understanding of how eating disorder prevention can address stigma, encourage body liberation, overcome treatment barriers, and harness social justice to promote body acceptance and impact the communities that are most affected.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the session, the learner will be able to:
  • Identify the basic structure of dissonance-based eating disorder prevention.
  • Compare at least three pros and cons of tailored vs. inclusive eating disorder prevention protocols.
  • Identify at least 5 ways in which individuals’ social identities and their intersection impact body image.
  • Generate at least one strategy for implementing eating disorder prevention in research and/or clinical settings.
  • Identify one unique developmental feature of early and late adolescence, as well as emerging adulthood, that impacts the risk for eating disorders.