Supporting Organisation: Personalised Eating Disorder Support
About Claire's fellowship project
Title: Exploring the Feasibility and Acceptability of an Age Adapted Body Project for Younger Pupils
Body image begins developing in early childhood, shaped by relationships, cultural norms, gender, sexuality, and language. More than physical appearance; it involves cognitive and emotional perceptions of one's body. Prepubertal body dissatisfaction is increasingly common due to early media exposure and societal appearance pressures. 40–50% of children aged 6–12 express dissatisfaction with their body size or shape, a vulnerability that intensifies during puberty. Body dissatisfaction links to numerous adverse health outcomes, including low self-esteem, poor decision-making, reduced physical activity, and higher risk-taking behaviours such as smoking and alcohol consumption. It significantly elevates the risk for mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
While various initiatives target body dissatisfaction, "The Body Project" remains the most effective, it is the only program proven to improve mood and achieve a 60% reduction in eating disorder incidence over a three-year follow-up period, reaching over 4.5 million people across 136 countries. Its’ limitation is that it targets individuals aged 13–25.
This qualitative research aims to evaluate the applicability and feasibility of delivering The Body Project to Year 6 pupils via Nominal Group Technique Workshops with Year 7 female pupils, teachers and parents/guardians of female Year 6 and 7 pupils. We will develop recommendations for piloting The Body Project with a younger age group.
Contact Claire: claire.hodgson11@nhs.net