An Evaluation of the Importance of Message Source and Age of Recipient in a Primary Prevention Program for Eating Disorders

Abstract

This study examined whether student age and the identity of the presenter of a eating disorders prevention videotape influenced students' responses to the tape. Females in Grade 7 (n=103) and Grade 10 (n=88) were randomly allocated to one of four conditions in which they were informed that the presenter in the videotape was either a recovered anorexic, a peer, or an expert; in one condition, no identity was given. Following the videotape, decreased drive for thinness and intentions to diet, and greater knowledge were found, although body dissatisfaction did not change. Younger students made more gains in some areas. There was no evidence that the identity of the presenter affected student responses to the videotape.