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Article
Reducing Eating Disorder Risk Factors in Sorority Members: A Randomized Trial
Behavior Therapy
  • Carolyn Becker, Trinity University
  • Lisa M. Smith, Trinity University
  • Anna C. Ciao, Trinity University
Document Type
Post-Print
Publication Date
1-1-2005
Abstract

Although sororities are often perceived as contributing to eating disordered behavior, limited research has investigated eating disorders in sorority members. The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of a highly interactive cognitive dissonance prevention program in reducing empirically supported risk factors in sorority members. Members (N=149) were randomized to the highly interactive intervention, a more passive intervention, or wait-list. Results indicated that both interventions reduced dietary restraint, body dissatisfaction, and eating disorder pathology. Only the highly interactive group reduced thin-ideal internalization as compared to waitlist. Exploratory analyses also indicated that interventions were beneficial to both lower- and higher-risk members. Taken together, results suggest that sororities are a viable population to target in the prevention of eating disorders.

Identifier
10.1016/S0005-7894(05)80073-5
Publisher
Elsevier
Citation Information
Becker, C.B., Smith, L.M., & Ciao, A.C. (2005). Reducing eating disorder risk factors in sorority members: A randomized trial. Behavior Therapy, 36(3), 245-253. doi: 10.1016/S0005-7894(05)80073-5