ABSTRACT
Prevention of eating disorders can occur on three different levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary. The goal of primary prevention is to prevent an eating disorder from occurring, which can be accomplished by reducing risk factors and increasing protective factors (Levine and Maine 2005; Piran 2005). Secondary prevention efforts focus on the early detection of precursors and implementation of interventions to prevent full-blown clinical eating disorders (Levine and Maine 2005; Piran 2005). Tertiary prevention includes the proper identication of and treatment for those who already have developed an eating disorder (Piran 2005; Piran et al. 1999). Historically, primary prevention programs have been educational, relaying information about eating disorders, including symptoms and warning signs of these disorders (Scime et al. 2006). However, simply disseminating information may not be enough to prevent the development of eating disorders. Levine and Maine (2005) suggested moving beyond educating individuals about warning signs and symptoms of eating disorders and incorporating multiple primary prevention components, such as learning activities to promote self-esteem, positive body image, and media awareness and advocacy. Furthermore, newer prevention programs have been speci- cally designed to be interactive and student-centered to help foster self-esteem and self-efcacy (Kater et al. 2000, 2002; McVey et al. 2003, 2004; O’Dea 2005; O’Dea and Abraham 2000), both of which may be protective against eating disorders (O’Dea 2005; Shisslak and Crago 2001; Wiser and Telch 1999).
