Showing papers by "Phillipa Hay published in 2008"

Eating disorder behaviors are increasing : findings from two sequential community surveys in South Australia

Abstract: Background: evidence for an increase in the prevalence of eating disorders is inconsistent. Our aim was to determine change in the population point prevalence of eating disorder behaviors over a 10-year period. Methodology/Principal Findings: eating disorder behaviors were assessed in consecutive general population surveys of men and women conducted in 1995 (n = 3001, 72% respondents) and 2005 (n = 3047, 63.1% respondents). Participants were randomly sampled from households in rural and metropolitan South Australia. There was a significant (all p,0.01) and over two-fold increase in the prevalence of binge eating, purging (self-induced vomiting and/or laxative or diuretic misuse) and strict dieting or fasting for weight or shape control among both genders. The most common diagnosis in 2005 was either binge eating disorder or other ‘‘eating disorders not otherwise specified’’ (EDNOS; n = 119, 4.2%). Conclusions/Significance: in this population sample the point prevalence of eating disorder behaviors increased over the past decade. Cases of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, as currently defined, remain uncommon.

The ‘expert’ in problem-based and case-based learning: necessary or not?: The ’expert’ in PBL and CBL

Abstract: Problem‐based learning (PBL) and other small‐group teaching methods which incorporate principles of adult learning, are exciting innovations in medical education. In the application of these methods to medical curricula many schools have introduced non‐expert tutors. However, research evaluating the effectiveness of non‐expert lead teaching has been inconclusive.

Mental health literacy and eating disorders: What do women with bulimic eating disorders think and know about bulimia nervosa and its treatment?

Abstract: Background and Aims: Attitudes and beliefs concerning the eating disorder bulimia nervosa (BN) were examined in a community sample of women (n = 158) with BN-type eating disorders.Method: A vignette was presented describing a fictional person meeting diagnostic criteria for BN. Participants gave their opinions on a range of issues concerning the nature and treatment of the problem described.Results: Most participants believed that BN would be difficult to treat and that relapse would be likely, were initial treatment successful. Primary care practitioners, psychologists, counsellors and close friends were perceived as helpful in the treatment of BN by the vast majority of participants. Lifestyle changes, including taking vitamins and minerals, were also highly regarded, whereas participants were ambivalent about the benefits of psychiatrists and antipathetic towards the use of prescription medication. Most participants believed that BN is common among women in the community and many had occasionally or of...

'Excessive exercise' and eating-disordered behaviour in young adult women : further evidence from a primary care sample

Abstract: Objective and Methods In order to replicate findings from previous community-based research, conducted in Australia, in a different sample, we examined relationships between exercise behaviour, eating-disordered behaviour and quality of life among young adult women attending one of two primary care facilities in the upper Midwest region of the United States. Results A high level of guilt when exercise is missed was associated with markedly elevated levels of eating disorder psychopathology and significantly reduced quality of life. The combination of exercising solely for weight and shape and intense guilt after missing exercise was associated with very high levels of eating disorder psychopathology, comparable to those of individuals seeking specialist treatment. Conclusions The findings provide further evidence that where young adult women experience intense guilt when exercise is missed, high levels of eating disorder psychopathology and poor quality of life can be expected, particularly when exercising solely for weight or shape reasons is also reported. Information to this effect should be included in both eating disorder and obesity prevention programmes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.

Gendering abilities in senior PE

Abstract: Background: Ability is a foundational concept in education. For example, one's perspective of the nature of ability influences how one conceives of the educability and achievement potential of students. However, ability has generally been under-theorised in physical education (PE), particularly in relation to gender. Moreover, default assumptions about ability have tended to draw on traditional conceptions in which ability is viewed as an inherited capacity fulfilled to a lesser or greater extent depending on the opportunities for expression. Purpose: This paper draws on a conception of ability proposed by Evans to challenge traditional conceptions and explain how the discursive conditions of PE ‘fields’ contributed to the construction of gendered abilities in Queensland Senior PE at two demographically distinct schools. Research design: Data are from semi-structured interviews with, and participant observations of, teachers and students at two secondary school sites: one, a low socioeconomic, government school and the other an ‘elite’, co-educational private school. One teacher and six year 11 students from each school, identified in three ability categories by their teachers, were interviewed at five junctures and observed weekly across 20 weeks of the school year. Data analysis: Interview and observation data were systematically coded and analysed within a post-structuralist paradigm to focus on the discursive resources that particular individuals drew on to understand others, and the social and cultural consequences, in terms of power and positioning, of this constitution for students' abilities in PE. Findings: Teachers' and students' values, beliefs and expectations operating in the PE fields of both schools established discursive conditions that gave meaning to the embodied dispositions of students in terms of gendered abilities. The teachers and students consistently perceived differences in the nature of male and female abilities in Senior PE which influenced both the access of students to sites for recognition of ability and the construction of their abilities in these contexts. Conclusion: While awareness of the potential marginalization of girls' engagement in PE has increased, the expectations and practices of social fields as well as the adherence to traditional and popular conceptions of ability may continue to have discriminatory effects on the learning and achievement potential of girls in PE.

Public perceptions of binge eating and its treatment

Abstract: Objective: Attitudes and beliefs concerning a binge eating problem were examined in a community sample of men and women (n = 1031) aged 15 to 94 years. Method: A vignette describing a fictional 32-year-old female obese binge eater was presented, followed by a series of questions concerning the nature and treatment of the problem described. Results: Most participants believed that binge eating is primarily a problem of low self-esteem or depression. Behavioral weight loss treatment and self-help interventions were the treatments considered most helpful, whereas few participants believed that psychotherapy would be helpful. General practitioners and dieticians were the treatment providers considered most helpful. Most participants were ambivalent about prognosis given treatment and pessimistic about outcome in the absence of treatment. Conclusion: The fact that binge eating is viewed primarily as a problem of negative affect, and that specific psychotherapy is not highly regarded as a treatment, may go some way to explaining why most individuals with binge eating-type disorders do not receive appropriate treatment. The benefits of specific psychotherapy in stabilizing eating behavior and improving quality of life for obese binge eaters need to be communicated to sufferers and to the health professionals they are likely to contact. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2008

Emotional responses to food in adults with an eating disorder: a qualitative exploration.

Abstract: There is a dearth of qualitative research exploring eating disordered individuals' emotional responses to the sight of different types of food. In this study we asked 10 adult women diagnosed with bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa or an eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS) to articulate their thoughts whilst viewing slides of a range of different foodstuffs, during an in-depth interview session. The data were transcribed and subjected to qualitative analysis. A core theme of 'Control' was identified. Whilst control has been previously acknowledged in the literature as an important aspect of eating disordered behaviour, this is the first report to link control with negative emotional responses to the sight of food. Clinically, an exploration of the notion of control and how it relates to particular foods may be beneficial in therapy.