Abstract

The prevalence of anorexia nervosa in the general population is relatively low, but anorexia is at the forefront of health concerns because of its seriousness. Unhealthy weight loss has numerous physical, psychological, and social consequences. Most seriously, the mortality rate for people with eating disorders is the highest of all the major psychiatric disorders.

This dissertation presents a model for preventing anorexia nervosa in a population of college students that includes a comprehensive institutional approach, psychoeducational software, a high-risk population, a holistic approach that identifies an individual’s personal risk factors and protective factors, and individual therapy.

The model is built on a foundation of nine essential assumptions. 1) Anorexia is a maladaptive coping response for people who are overwhelmed by stress. 2) Risk factors and protective factors must be included in any equation that calculates mental health. 3) Risk factors and protective factors are unique to individuals. 4) Individuals are affected by different risk factors and protective factors depending on developmental stage. 5) A holistic approach that considers the body and mind should be taken. 6) Psychoeducational programs must consider what content is delivered, how it is delivered, and to whom it is delivered so that knowledge, skills, and attitudes can be improved. 7) Helpful information is better than ignorance. 8) Self-help, psychoeducational programs can be empowering and effective. 9) Greater knowledge and/or healthier attitudes do not necessarily lead to changed behaviors.

A prototype of a psychoeducational program delivered on a CD-ROM disk is detailed. The program has two main sections. The section pertaining to physical health includes information about nutrition, exercise, recommended weight, body satisfaction/dissatisfaction, and unhealthy weight regulation practices. The section pertaining to psychological health includes information about Maslow's theory of needs, Erikson's theory of personality development, self-concept, self-efficacy, self-esteem, and coping with anxiety.

LLU Discipline

Psychology

Department

Psychology

School

School of Science and Technology

First Advisor

David Vermeersch

Second Advisor

Paul McMahon

Third Advisor

Janet Sonne

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Degree Level

Psych.D.

Year Degree Awarded

2007

Date (Title Page)

8-2007

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Anorexia Nervosa -- psychology; Weight Loss; Eating Disorders -- prevention and control; Health Promotion -- methods; Mental Health -- education.

Type

Doctoral Project

Page Count

viii; 98

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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