Free to Be: Developing a Mindfulness-Based Eating Disorder Prevention Program for Preteens

Abstract

Concerns with body image and disordered eating behaviors are pervasive in today’s society. Recent cohorts of preteen girls are at increased risk for the development of an eating disorder (ED) due to changes in pubertal development and the widespread impact of social media. This article describes a mindfulness-based eating disorder prevention program for preteens that integrates wellness practices such as mindful eating and noncompetitive exercise with awareness-building conversations about the messages society sends to girls and women about their bodies. Implications and strategies for incorporating the program into the practice of child and adolescent counseling are discussed.

Keywords:

• disordered eating
• mindfulness
• prevention