Body Image Programming for Girls in Pennsylvania

Summary

This project will work with 300-400 girls in the Greater Philadelphia Region next year to teach them how to resist the negative behaviors and ideas that lead to eating disorders.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

Millions of Americans suffer from eating disorders - anorexia, bulimia and binge eating - which are caused by a combination of factors, including the US's obsession with thinness. ACTH is piloting the "Body Project" curriculum in Philadelphia, PA so that high schools girls can begin to push back against media messages that tell them to hate their bodies and gain a strong body image and positive relationship to food.

How will this project solve this problem?

Girls will take a 4-8 week workshop on media literacy and body image to increase their confidence and prevent eating disorder behaviors. Why? One student summed it up: "I realized that although I criticize the media, I'm also a victim."

Potential Long Term Impact

ACTH seeks to educate 400 girls per year on the importance of healthy body image. The long term effects include decreased rates of eating disorders, greater body satisfaction, better relationships with peers, and healthier, happier lives.

Project Message

"Girls are constantly bombarded with unrealistic images of beauty from the media. We hope to empower girls to become leaders in their communities by promoting critical thinking and body confidence."
- Harin Feibish, LCSW, Program Committee

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Word file (projdoc.doc).

Resources