Eating disorders in adolescents: positive intervention on strengths and body image

Abstract

Eating disorders (EDs) represent a significant public health challenge, especially among female adolescents facing sociocultural pressures. This study aims to design a primary prevention psychological intervention based on Positive Psychology for female adolescents aged 13 to 16 in Caracas, Venezuela. Methodologically, the research is a feasible, non-experimental, field, and cross-sectional project with a quantitative approach for data collection using a pre-post test design. The developed program, titled “The Power of Being You,” consists of six interactive sessions focused on developing character strengths, self-esteem, and body appreciation. Results from the systematic literature review and expert validation confirmed that variables such as gratitude and positive body connection serve as significant protective factors against the development of eating pathologies. The program integrates tools such as mindfulness and emotional education to shift the preventive paradigm toward a salutogenic approach. It is concluded that strengthening character strengths, particularly gratitude and self-knowledge, enables adolescents to build a solid identity based on self-acceptance and resilience. This universal intervention effectively minimizes the risks of developing eating disorders by enhancing psychological well-being and satisfaction with body image. The proposed program is both viable and pertinent, offering a structured and evidence-based response to the local shortage of preventive strategies focused on personal assets and human flourishing.