Abstract

GOMEZ PERESMITRE, Gilda et al. Virtual Reality and Psychoeducation: Selective Prevention Formats in Eating Disorders. Rev. Mex. de trastor. aliment [online]. 2013, vol.4, n.1, pp.23-30. ISSN 2007-1523.

The prevention of eating disorders is considered, mainly by psychologists of health, a priority task to cover. In accord to this idea it was decided to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of two intervention programs based in different strategies. The nonrandom sample consisted of n=58 students with a mean age of x̅ =13.43 (SD=1.14), which were randomly assigned to two different selective prevention programs: Psychoeducation (n = 28; age of x̅ =13.46, SD=1.17) and Virtual reality Reinforced (n=30; age of x̅ =13.40, SD=1.13). The results showed no differences between programs. However, when each was evaluated (pretest / postest) results were positive and statistically significant (p < .001) in those variables associated with body image and disordered eating. In addition there was a significant decrease in the percentage of participants who were placed at risk (clinical significance) as a result of the preventive programs. These findings are encouraging because of the importance involved in reducing risk factors and the effect it has on the health of adolescents.

Keywords : Prevention strategies; virtual reality and psychoeducation; risk factors; body image; abnormal eating behavior; clinical significance.

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