Abstract

Eating disorders are among the most dangerous mental health disorders, and the prevalence rates for them are on the rise. However, the literature is lacking when it comes to quantitative training recommendations for mental health professionals who wish to learn how to screen for, prevent, and treat individuals with eating disorders. This systematic review identified, reviewed, and synthesized the findings from studies (n = 14) concerning the impact of various training modalities on professionals and students who specialize in eating disorder prevention, screening, and treatment, on their knowledge, attitudes/beliefs, and skills. The aim was to identify training recommendations, across various fields, for aspiring mental health professionals who wish to specialize in the treatment of eating disorders. English-language quantitative studies that examined components associated with curriculum, training, and eating disorders were included in the review. The results indicated that most studies trained their participants on various therapies and modalities of treatment, that video examples and educational videos were used to deliver trainings, and that web-based videos were the most popular modality of training. Therefore, these particular topics and methods of training may be recommended for mental health professionals in these specific areas of interest. Further, it is recommended that future researchers continue to cultivate valuable research for the professional mental health community on the treatment of EDs. Areas for future research are discussed.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Eating disorders; Training--Mental health services; Mental health care teams; Mental health education

Date of Award

2023

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Psychology

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Adel Najdowski

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Psychology Commons

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