Religious Questions
1. Is a program from the secular world helpful and appropriate for our girls?
Yes it is. In fact, as with all world’s wisdom, its source can be traced back to the Torah. The theoretical basis for the Body Project is that of cognitive dissonance which occurs when there is a discrepancy between one’s beliefs and one’s actions. This inconsistency creates psychological discomfort which then motivates the individual to reduce the cognitive discord by changing their beliefs. This concept can be compared to the Jewish premise of “hachitzoniyus m’oreres es hapnimius” the “external actions awaken the internal”. In addition, the Sefer Hachinuch states “acharei hape’ulos nimshachim halevavos” “the heart is pulled after the deed”. These connections highlight the consistency of this program’s approach with Jewish thought.
3. This program challenges messaging from many sources, and for some girls, this could include parents. Is this a violation of kibud av v’aim?
Many internal messages come from external sources. If there are people who are unwittingly criticizing a girl’s appearance in a harmful way and lessening her feelings of self-worth, they would want to know. The activity in our program that deals with these outside messages of pressure is done in a way that helps the child respectfully share her feelings. The facilitator/teacher is there to ensure its consistency with Torah values.
2. Is there an inappropriate focus on body parts?
No. The body and its external parts are discussed loosely at relevant points only. For a girl to feel more comfortable with her appearance, we need to be able to separate shame from tzniyus. Mention is made only to enable better respect for our bodies.
4. Many negative body image messages come from the secular media. Will this program assume or encourage our girls to be looking at those sources?
The secular media has infiltrated all communities with their messaging. These messages are what’s challenged in the program. No access to specific forms of media are assumed or encouraged.
5. How will it make our school look when we adopt this program? Will people think our girls are disproportionately affected by eating disorders?
Running this program will make your school look proactive in protecting our girls from a deadly disorder. Our goal is to have this programming be a default part of the curriculum in all girls’ schools. Because preventing an eating disorder is saving a life.
General Questions
1. Why is it important to prevent eating disorders?
It's estimated that 20 million American women have struggled with an eating disorder at some point over their lifetime. Eating disorders are life threatening and have the highest mortality (death) rate of all mental illnesses.
3. Is this program only helpful for students who are at risk of eating disorders?
This program is helpful for all students. Because we can never know for certain which students will go on to develop an eating disorder, this program was created for everyone. Even if a student would never develop an eating disorder in her lifetime, this program can increase her comfort and confidence with her body and appearance.
5. What about girls who are known to have eating disorders already?
Depending on what stage they are in recovery, the school guidance counselor and the girl’s parents should decide if it is right for her to attend. Facilitators who have had girls with eating disorders in their groups, noted that these students are often the most vocal when it comes to combating the appearance ideal.
2. Can 4 sessions really prevent eating disorders?
Yes they can! The original project has been shown to improve mood, and reduce thin ideal internalization and body dissatisfaction, all of which are contributing factors to the development of an eating disorder. Through our extensive data collection during our pilot study we were able to achieve similar results to that of the original Body Project.
4. Will this make girls care too much or too little about their weight?
No it will not. This intervention helps girls lessen the pressure and excessive importance of their outward appearance. The program has even been proven to prevent obesity! Girls who feel better about themselves take better care of their bodies.
6. Does our school need someone with specific qualifications to run this?
No you do not. Any teacher or school counselor can run this program once trained. Through a philanthropic grant, Relief will provide the school staff training and toolkit for implementation.
7. Is there a cost for this training?
There is a fee for the four hour training which has been generously subsidized through a grant from supporters of this program. Please reach out directly to discuss this as no school will be turned away due to lack of funding.
