Universal prevention in eating disorders: a systematic narrative review of recent studies

Publication date: Available online 4 May 2019Source: Mental Health & PreventionAuthor(s): Caroline Schwartz, Konstantin Drexl, Anne Fischer, Markus Fumi, Bernd Löwe, Silke Naab, Ulrich VoderholzerAbstractIn the field of eating disorders, much research has been devoted to selective prevention that addresses high-risk groups, while universal prevention has received less attention. This paper systematically reviews recent studies on the universal prevention of ED. The analysis shows that universal prevention may impact on a wide range of eating disorder risk factors such as body dissatisfaction and media internalization. However, no study has investigated later presence or absence of ED. We conclude that additional research is needed to shed more light on the long-term effects and the actual onset of ED. “Booster-sessions” in the years following the intervention might aid in sustaining the gains.
Source: Mental Health and Prevention - Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research