Evaluating the implementation of an eating disorder prevention programme in the New Zealand tertiary environment : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
Loading...
Date
2024
DOI
Open Access Location
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Massey University
Rights
The author
Abstract
Background: Eating disorder (ED) rates increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating the need for increased efforts in ED prevention work. The Body Project is an ED prevention programme that has demonstrated successful reduction in ED onset in young females worldwide. It targets the risk factor of thin-ideal internalisation by encouraging participants to challenge societal beauty standards through written and verbal exercises. The primary objective of this study was to implement the Body Project in the New Zealand (NZ) tertiary environment and gather qualitative experience from student participants and other stakeholders involved in the pilot implementation. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted online with student participants (n=6), peer educators (n=3) and counsellors (n=3) that were involved in the training and implementation of the Body Project at a university in NZ, based on convenience sampling from the wider study. A pragmatic approach to qualitative research was used, to gather real-world perspectives. Codes and themes were derived from interview data. Results: Interviewees (n=12) were all female, of which majority (50%) were of New Zealand European/Pakeha ethnicity. Three key themes emerged from analysis: Programme structure and delivery including subthemes training and session logistics; Influences on engagement in the Body Project including subthemes relatability, inclusivity, group dynamics, and personal concerns or perceptions as influencing factors; Impact of the Body Project including subthemes changes participants made since completing the programme and perceived value. Results found that the Body Project improved body satisfaction for 66% of participants (n=4). Participants valued peer educator relatability because it made them feel more comfortable participating. All participants and peer educators could relate to the thin ideal personally. To improve the programme, peer educators should have more training on group management and differentiating behavioural challenges from body activism; and ongoing support from counsellors to maintain boundaries, minimise pro-thin discussion and process personal triggers. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the positive impact of the Body Project for body satisfaction, and the programme was well received, with all participants recommending to a friend. To enhance programme effectiveness, improvements in peer educator training, alongside ongoing support from counsellors, are recommended. Relevance of the programme should be further explored from different cultural perspectives in NZ, particularly Māori.
Description
Keywords
Body Project, eating disorder, body dissatisfaction, prevention programme, thin ideal, New Zealand