2000/09/01 by Lori M. Irving · 1 citation
Psychology · #Animal and Plant Science Education #Eating Disorders and Behaviors #Science Education and Perceptions
paper · doi:10.1080/10640260008251229
openalex publication_date 2000/09/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
A puppet program for elementary school children was implemented through early childhood education to promote size acceptance. School children (N = 152) completed an evaluation of the program and 45 fifth grade girls completed the Figure Rating Scale either before or after the program. To students, the program's most important message was “not to tease others” and “be a good friend.” Figure Rating Scale data suggest that the program reduces negative stereotypes about large body shapes. This preliminary report suggests that the puppet program achieves its goal of promoting greater acceptance of diverse body shapes by discouraging teasing and encourag-ing students to treat everybody well.