Self Image Notes

Hello again ladies,

Since school is starting and many of you may be teachers, coaches, principals etc. I thought I would share some data regarding eating disorders in young girls and give you some questions to ask them, if you suspect a problem in one or more of your students.

Did you know that:

42% of 1st through 3rd grade girls want to be thinner
81% of 10-year-old girls are afraid of being fat
50% of 4th grade girls are on a diet

Believe it our not, most of the girls I see with eating disorders, present with Lots of anxiety! Many of them are not bone thin, they actually appear healthy, but they are not. By asking the following questions or noting the following behaviors of suspected students, you can have a better idea if they need help:

1. Do you find yourself eating to cope with stress?
2. Do you count calories?
3. How do you feel when your belly is full?
4. Do you ever feel guilty after eating something or do you have a favorite comfort food?

If they answer yes to these questions they may need to be evaluated by the school counselor or other professional counselor. It is really a matter of self-esteem and attitudes about food, more than it is just about food alone. If you ask these questions and find that the child feels good about herself because she has sharp intellect and lots of friends vs. feeling good because her pants fit or look a certain way on her, then this gives you a good glimpse into her mental status.

I wish you all well in your pursuit of academic excellence, in mentoring, teaching, coaching etc.

You can find this research in Shallcross,L.(Februray 2010). A National Obsession. Counseling Today, p. 28- 38.

Jessica D. Cleveland, M.S., LPC,NCC