This study analyzed the association of adaptive and maladaptive dimensions of perfectionism in women with eating disorders (ED), risk of ED, and inherent features of ED. The sample included 246 women aged between 13 and 19 years divided into three groups: with ED (n = 59), in risk of ED (n = 17), and without ED or risk (n = 170); for group assignation participants were interviewed with the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE). Participants completed the Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI-3) and the Almost Perfect Scale-Revised (APS-R). According to the models that state the existence of two well defined dimensions of perfectionism, adolescents in risk of ED and with ED got higher scores in Discrepancy (maladaptive dimension), but not in High standards (adaptive dimension). Besides positive associations were found between Discrepancy and all scales of EDI-3, except for Maturity fears; however also in the ED group positive associations were found between High standards and Order with Drive for thinness, result that do not allow to confirm the adaptive value of these two latter dimensions of perfectionism among adolescents with ED.
Objective
This study aimed to examine the efficacy of an integrated program (PIA‐2) to reduce the risk for problems related to eating, weight and body image in female adolescents from Argentina.
Method
A quasi‐experimental study was conducted by comparing an experimental group versus a control group. The final sample included 509 girls aged 13–18 (M = 15.39 and SD = 1.30) from nine schools located in three geographical regions. They provided data at three assessment time points: baseline, post‐intervention and a 3‐month follow‐up. Dependent variables included skipping breakfast, physical activity, eating disorder risk and thin‐ideal internalization. The program was carried out in three 90‐minute sessions within usual school hours, at 1‐week intervals.
Results
Participants who received the intervention decreased more than the control group in skipping breakfast month by month. However, a significant effect of the intervention was not found on physical activity, eating disorder risk, and thin‐ideal internalization.
Discussion
The presence of mixed findings shows the need to adjust the intervention to enhance the results. The importance of working jointly with other Latin American countries is emphasized, in order to promote the growth of the field of prevention, regarding cultural particularities shared by our societies.
Public Significance
Integrated programs aimed at reducing risk factors for the entire spectrum of problems related to eating, weight and body image could lead to beneficial and more efficient effects. However, their development is still incipient in Latin America. PIA‐2 Program, designed for female adolescents, produced positive results in one of the four variables studied, decreasing the weekly frequency of skipping breakfast among adolescents. This is pioneering research in Argentina and the region since very few studies on integrated prevention have been published in Latin America. It is crucial to continue with efforts aimed at developing programs that are suited to the specific needs of the population of Latin American countries. In this aspect, our study is undoubtedly an important contribution.
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