Couples Eating Disorder Prevention Program

Abstract

Body image dissatisfaction and eating disorders are more prevalent in today's society than ever. As a result, several prevention programs targeting the common eating disorder risk factors have been developed. The purpose of the current study was to investigate a new kind of prevention program that is based on the dual pathway model of eating disorders within the context of an individual?s romantic relationship. The current prevention program reduced eating disorder risk factors but failed to affect relationship satisfaction. Effect sizes were small to medium in magnitude for most of the targeted risk factors. The inclusion of men and women alike in eating disorder prevention programs appear to be a successful way of addressing the thin ideal and its detrimental effects. Limitations and future directions are discussed.