Weight & Eating Disorders Research Program

[our mission]

The mission of the Weight and Eating Disorders research program is to advance our understanding of sociocultural, psychological, and behavioral risk factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of eating disorders and obesity through scientific research. Our research focuses on several related questions:

1  What factors influence whether a person will develop an eating disorder?

2  What makes it difficult for individuals to control their eating? 

3  How can we effectively prevent the onset of eating disorders and obesity?

>>To learn more about SMU's CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM, click here.

[research overview]

The Weight and Eating Disorders Research Program is devoted to improving our understanding of factors that contribute to both eating disorders and obesity in an effort to design more effective prevention and treatment programs. Eating disorders arise from multiple influences, and we are particularly interested in exploring the complex interactions among risk factors. Additionally, we are working to identify ways in which we can help individuals become more resilient to cultural pressures to be thin at any cost while maintaining a healthy weight.

>> To learn more about our RESEARCH PROGRAM, click here.

>> For directions to our RESEARCH FACILITIES click here.

[in the news]

The Body Project is a program designed to help young women improve their body image. A facilitator guide and participant workbook were recently published as part of Oxford University Press' Programs That Work series. This program has also been featured in recent SMU publications:

http://blog.smu.edu/smumagazine/2007/12/the_body_project_learning_to_l.html

http://blog.smu.edu/forum/2007/11/research_spotlight_saying_no_t.html

>> To learn more about the BODY PROJECT, click here.

Dove's Campaign for Real Beauty

[what's new?]