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Girls on the Run: Improvements in self-esteem, body size satisfaction and eating attitudes/behaviors

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Abstract

A pilot assessment of a curriculum-based running program geared for girls 8–12 years old (n=322) was implemented to assess influences regarding psychological risk factors leading to disordered eating among girls who participate in sports. Utilizing a pretest/posttest study design, researchers administered questionnaires in pre-program session T(1), and post-program T(2). Statistical tests on self-esteem (t=−10.628, p<0.05), body size satisfaction (t=4.359, p<0.05), and eating attitudes/behaviors (t=4.806, p<0.05) revealed statistically significant improvements from baseline to post program. A sport-training program supplemented with a wellness curriculum may be an effective primary prevention program for disordered eating attitudes and behaviors.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Community and Environmental Health, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA

    Rita DiGioacchino DeBate Ph.D, MPH, CHES (Associate Professor)

  2. Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, Coastal Carolina University, Conway, SC, USA

    S. H. Thompson

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  1. Rita DiGioacchino DeBate Ph.D, MPH, CHES
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  2. S. H. Thompson
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Correspondence to Rita DiGioacchino DeBate Ph.D, MPH, CHES.

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DeBate, R.D., Thompson, S.H. Girls on the Run: Improvements in self-esteem, body size satisfaction and eating attitudes/behaviors. Eat Weight Disord 10, 25–32 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03353416

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