Addressing Body Image Issues While Teaching Academic Course: The Group- Theory and Practice

Addressing Body Image Issues While Teaching Academic Course: Efficacy Trial of Innovative Academic Initiative

MSc. course addressing the issue of body image among nutrition students while delivering the course "The group- theory and practice". A non-randomized controlled trial was conducted between 2014 and 2016 with 135 dietetics' students in Tel Hai Academic College, Israel. Changes in body image and eating disorders features were assessed between course conclusion and baseline among participants within controlled efficacy study.

An innovative MSc. course addressing the issue of body image among nutrition students while delivering the course "The group- theory and practice". A non-randomized controlled trial was conducted between 2014 and 2016 with 135 dietetics' students in Tel Hai Academic College, Israel. All stages of the project were compliant with the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed written consent was obtained from all participants in the study. Changes in body image and eating disorders features were assessed between course conclusion and baseline among participants within controlled efficacy study.

The primary task of the described course is four folded:

1. Explore the theory and practice of key dimensions of groups and group facilitation.
2. Active participation in body image group
3. Develop deep understanding of the dynamics and processes through participants' own experience and behavior as it occurs in real time.
4. Develop ideas about how and what have been learned, that can be applied to their role as nutritionists and group facilitators.

The described course provides an alternative to the traditional psycho-education approach using an experiential and analogize approach during the course sessions. The three parts session starts with 45 minutes of frontal lecture focused on group theories. In the next 45 minutes, half of the students participate in a body image group while the other half serve as outside observers using structured forms. All participants filled the day before structured exercise, which expose them to the main issues that will be discussed and practiced in the group session. In the last 45 minutes, the observers report about their observation and the whole class discuss the group dynamics observed. The course includes 42 hours, 3 hours in each of the 14 sessions.

This model of learning emphasize deep learning of the "participant role" as well as the "facilitator role".

Inclusion Criteria:

• Must be student enrolled at Tel-Hai Academic College.
• Must be among first 20 students to sign up for the course.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Non-students.
• Not among first 20 students to sign up for the course.