POPS: a school-based prevention programme for eating disorders

Abstract

Aim: Disordered eating is a significant social and economic issue in Western societies. Weight and shape concerns are highly prevalent during adolescence and an alarming percentage of adolescents already show disturbed eating patterns. Sociocultural factors like the beauty ideal promoted by the media and social agents are among the main reasons for this trend. Prevention programmes which focus on established protective and risk factors are needed to counteract problematic developments as early as possible. Subject and methods: In this paper we describe the development and the contents of a structured school-based eating disorder prevention programme for adolescents. Results: The POPS programme (POtsdam Prevention at Schools) is an interactive multisession programme and encompasses nine lessons for pupils and one meeting with the parents. The programme is based on current research on risk and protective factors for eating disorders with an emphasis on sociocultural factors. It is designed to enhance resources based on the life skills approach. We included for instance lessons to enhance healthy eating and exercise habits and to reduce unhealthy dieting, to build up resistance through media literacy and strategies to react to social pressure. To further enhance life skills we integrated the impartation of problem-solving techniques and coping strategies which are potential protective factors not only in relation to eating disorders but also other diseases. In contrast to most existing programmes, psychoeducation on eating disorders is not part of the POPS programme for pupils but part of the information session for the parents. Conclusion: POPS is a theory-based, structured prevention programme that can be implemented by teachers as part of regular lessons.