Affiliation:
1. School of Health and Human Services, Department of Health Sciences Indiana University Fort Wayne, 2101 East Coliseum Boulevard, Fort Wayne Fort wayne IN 46815
2. School of Population Health, College of Health and Human Services University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft Street, MS 109 Toledo OH 43606
3. School of Health, Behavior & Society, College of Public Health University of Kentucky, 151 Washington Avenue, Bowman Hall 345 Lexington KY 40536
Abstract
ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThe objective of this study is to evaluate the Respect YOU program's impact on students' eating expectancies, body image satisfaction levels, self‐efficacy, and knowledge. A total of 444 (intervention cohort n = 348, control cohort n = 96) underclassmen enrolled in health or physical education courses from 7 high schools in the Midwest participated in the study.METHODSA repeated measure research design was utilized to assess students' eating expectancies, body image satisfaction levels, self‐efficacy, and knowledge. More specifically, paired t‐tests were conducted to compare outcome measurements to evaluate the efficacy of the intervention.RESULTSAmong the students who received the intervention (n = 348), there was a statistically significant change in scores for eating expectancies (Z = −14.403, p < .001), body image satisfaction levels (Z = −14.114, p < .001), social media self‐efficacy (Z = 14.868, p < .001), and knowledge scales (Z = −16.100, p < .001) at post‐intervention and compared to the control group.CONCLUSIONSResults indicate that the Respect YOU program was effective in improving body image scores, eating expectancies, self‐esteem, and knowledge‐related outcomes among students post‐intervention. These results can be used to further develop educational programming to address body image concerns and disordered eating among adolescents.