A Qualitative Investigation of Preteen Girls' Experiences in a Mindfulness-Based Eating Disorder Prevention Program

ABSTRACT

Concerns with body image and disordered eating behaviors are pervasive in today's society, with recent cohorts of preteen girls experiencing an increased risk of developing an eating disorder. This article describes a phenomenological qualitative investigation into girls' experiences with a mindfulness-based eating disorder prevention program called Free to Be. Results indicated that participants perceived the program to be enjoyable, engaging, supportive, and influential in developing healthier relationships with their bodies, food, and exercise, and that they viewed mindfulness as beneficial for regulating emotions and supporting future development. Implications for counselors and recommendations for future research are provided.

KEYWORDS:

• Disordered eating
• mindfulness
• phenomenology
• preadolescence
• prevention
• qualitative research

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Samantha Klassen-Bolding

Dr. Samantha Klassen-Bolding is a professor of counseling at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. Her research focuses on child and adolescent mental health, mindfulness, body image, and eating disorders.