Running Head: BODY IMAGE & SELF-ESTEEM GUIDANCE LESSON

Body Image & Self-Esteem Guidance Lesson

Winter 2015
Seattle University
Christina Walter

Running Head: BODY IMAGE & SELF-ESTEEM GUIDANCE LESSON

Lesson Rationale
The Emily Program (2015), an evidence based treatment program located in Seattle states that 3%
of males and 6% of females have an eating disorder. During this adolescent years, the statistics climb
dramatically to 14% for females and 6.5% for males. This drastic increase demonstrates that students in
high school are at a higher risk for developing an eating disorder. In addition to the physical dangers
associated with an eating disorder such as a decreased immune system, circulation issues and increased
stress on the heart, individuals with eating disorders have an increased risk for drug dependency, anxiety,
depression and suicide. Botsari (2009) agrees with this research and after a study with 313 high school
students, states that the data shows a strong correlation between body dissatisfaction, eating disorders and
other psychological problems. Rawana & Morgan (2013) add to this and describe their research which
demonstrates a relationship between weight management techniques in adolescence and a decrease in
self-esteem. Lastly, these authors state that there is a relationship between adolescents with depression
and struggles with body image. At Interlake High School, many students struggle with depression,
anxiety and perfectionist attitudes, which are all associated with eating disorders and skewed body image.
Based on this information, it is important to introduce information about eating disorders, body image and
techniques to maintain good self-esteem to students on a large scale. Due to the state requirements for
Health classes in 10th grade, eating disorders and body image must be covered during that semester class.
These two factors blend perfectly into a guidance lesson based intervention for 10th grade students.

Running Head: BODY IMAGE & SELF-ESTEEM GUIDANCE LESSON

References
The Emily Program. (2015). Eating Disorder Facts. Retrieved from:
www.theemilyprogram.com
Makri-Botsari, E. (2009). Dissatisfaction with body image, eating behavior and self-esteem in
adolescence.Psychology: The Journal Of The Hellenic Psychological Society, 16(1),
60-76.
Rawana, J. S., & Morgan, A. S. (2014). Trajectories of depressive symptoms from adolescence
to young adulthood: The role of self-esteem and body-related predictors. Journal Of
Youth And Adolescence, 43(4), 597-611. doi:10.1007/s10964-013-9995-4