2018/03/26 by Stephanie R. Damiano, Zali Yager, Siân A. McLean +1
Health Professions · Psychology · #Eating Disorders and Behaviors #Humor Studies and Applications #Obesity and Health Practices
paper · doi:10.1080/10640266.2018.1453630
openalex publication_date 2018/03/26 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/26
Negative body image attitudes develop in early childhood and there is a need for school-based resources during the early school years, but no teacher-delivered curriculum-based resources exist to mitigate these attitudes in young children. Achieving Body Confidence for Young Children (ABC-4-YC), a universal body dissatisfaction and weight stigma prevention program, was developed and then delivered in a pilot study. Fifty-one 5- to 8-year-old children completed pre- and post-intervention interviews assessing body image attitudes, and seven teachers provided feedback. Significant improvement in body esteem and positive teacher feedback were found. The results provide preliminary support for ABC-4-YC to improve children's body image attitudes, but extensive evaluation is needed.