Australian Rotary Health

Professor Susan Paxton is a clinical and health psychologist who has been involved in clinical and research work in body image problems and disordered eating for fifteen years. She is Professor in the School of Psychological Science at La Trobe University. Her research has explored risk factors for the development of body dissatisfaction and disordered eating but more particularly has focused on developing and evaluating practical and accessible prevention interventions and new treatments.

Her previous Australian Rotary Health project evaluated an intervention program for body dissatisfaction, bulimic eating problems and unhealthy dieting in adults - innovative in content and also in mode of delivery – group therapy conducted in real time over the internet. This intervention was adapted for adolescent girls. Her current Australian Rotary Health project is an evaluation of an intervention for body image and eating problems specifically for women in midlife. Professor Paxton is President-elect of the Academy for Eating Disorders and a member of the Ministerial Community Advisory Committee on Body Image and Ministerial Advisory Committee on Mental Health – Eating Disorders Subcommittee in Victoria.

SUMMARY OF PROJECT:

Development and evaluation of a group cognitive behavioural body image and eating disorder intervention for women in mid-life

While much attention is given to the body dissatisfaction and eating disorders of young women, little is known about the issues or factors that contribute to some women in midlife being vulnerable to body image anxiety and related eating problems. No intervention programs were available to women aged 35-55 years before Prof Susan Paxton’s research study began in 2006, funded with a grant from Australian Rotary Health. The project aimed to develop an eight-session program manual and evaluate a new, small group intervention designed to promote body acceptance and reduce overvaluation of shape and weight and related eating problems in women in mid-life. The program manual will become a lasting resource available to health professionals working in the area of eating disorders and body image concerns.

PROGRESS REPORT:

Development and evaluation of a group cognitive behavioural body image and eating disorder intervention for women in mid-life

In the first twelve months of this project, the goal was to learn more about body image and eating issues for women in midlife and ways which they may be addressed. This was accomplished through a series of focus groups and confirmed with a questionnaire study. Initial qualitative feedback from participants suggested that women in mid-life appreciated the opportunity to discuss body image and eating issues; and that they have unique concerns. The focus group and questionnaire studies revealed that in mid-life women, the factors contributing to body dissatisfaction and disordered eating are:

    •   Attitudes towards and engagement in body-related self-care activities
    •  Comparing one’s body to one’s younger self• Adoption of societal ideals of a youthful, thin body 
       as a personal yardstick
    •  Resisting age related changes in appearance
    •  Low appreciation of the functional abilities of the body compared to the appearance of the body 
    •  Societal pressure to defy the effects of natural ageing on appearance.
    •  Unstructured eating environment
    •  Balancing role demands and responsibilities