The awareness of eating disorders amongst girls in secondary schools : the role of P.E. teachers

Abstract

This research studies the awareness of eating disorders amongst Form 3 and Form 4 female students in three secondary schools and also how these students perceive their physical self. Literature about the signs and symptoms of eating disorders together with prevention methods have been explored in order to discover ways how to prevent eating disorders from occurring in the first place. Consequently, this study also investigates how Physical Education teachers perceive their role in providing such awareness and in preventing these occurrences. A quantitative research was used to determine the awareness of eating disorders amongst the students and also to collect information about their body image. On the other hand, a qualitative research was used to collect the necessary information from the physical education teachers. From this study, it was concluded that these students still lack the sufficient awareness about eating disorders. Furthermore, it was revealed that many students have a poor body image. Finally, it was found that physical education teachers overlook their role in administering prevention methods related to eating disorders. Thus, this research seeks to promote ways how to increase the awareness of eating disorders and how to prevent them from occurring.