Improving eating disorders mental health literacy: a preliminary evaluation of the "Should I say something?" workshop

Eat Disord. 2014;22(5):405-19. doi: 10.1080/10640266.2014.925764. Epub 2014 Jun 25.

Abstract

A repeated measures, uncontrolled, preliminary evaluation of a single 3-hour workshop-"Should I Say Something?"-aimed at improving eating disorders mental health literacy, was conducted in a sample of 177 university undergraduates. Following participation in the workshop, significant increases in eating disorder recognition and knowledge, and significant decreases in stigmatizing attitudes, were reported by participants. Moreover, 85% of participants reported that they provided assistance to someone whom they suspected had a mental health condition, including an eating disorder, during the 3-month follow-up period. This study provides preliminary evidence that "Should I Say Something?" may be effective in improving the mental health literacy of young people.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders*
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Health Literacy*
  • Health Promotion*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health
  • Middle Aged
  • Students*
  • Universities*
  • Young Adult