Eating disorder prevention programmes in schools

Objective: Eating disorder prevention programmes (EDPPs) focus on the prevention of eating disorders through promoting protective factors and minimizing risk factors. This systematic literature review aimed to identify and synthesise the qualitative literature surrounding stakeholders’ experiences of EDPPs in schools.

Method: A systematic literature review was conducted to identify relevant papers. Papers were assessed for their quality and their qualitative results were explored through thematic synthesis.

Results: Ten papers and four overarching themes of perceived need, impacts, facilitating factors and barriers were identified. Within these themes, fourteen subthemes were identified reflecting the vulnerability of young people, and possible benefits of EDPPs in increasing awareness, self-acceptance and empathy towards others. Facilitating factors such as personal salience and exploration of wider societal influences were noted and barriers including teacher resistance and apprehension of causing unintended harm were also noted.

Conclusions: The qualitative literature indicated overall positive effects of EDPPs in schools from the perspectives of young people, teachers and parents, which is in line with the quantitative outcome-based research. This review offers support for further development and implementation of EDPPs in schools, whilst barriers identified offer implications to consider for successful implementation.