Date of Award
2012
Degree Name
Communication Studies
College
College of Liberal Arts
Type of Degree
M.A.
Document Type
Thesis
First Advisor
Barbara Tarter
Second Advisor
Cynthia Torppa
Third Advisor
William Denman
Abstract
The purpose of this thesis was to evaluate the treatments used in current eating disorder programs and to develop a more effective model using two relevant communication theories: the Transtheoretical Model of Change and Social Networking Theory. Further, the thesis explored the need for greater mental health literacy on Appalachian college and university campuses as it relates to the three major eating disorders defined by the DSMIV-TR: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorders. The analysis of current treatment revealed an overemphasis on physical health and quantitative medical progress. Applying both the Transtheoretical Model of Change and Social Networking Theory to the known characteristics of these disorders produced a program that focused more on the underlying causes of the illnesses rather than the medical symptoms.
Subject(s)
Anorexia nervosa.
Eating disorders.
Bulimia.
Recommended Citation
Clites, Erica Lynn, "It is Time to Talk About it: Designing a Health Communication Program for Eating Disorder Recovery in an Appalachian University" (2012). Theses, Dissertations and Capstones. 262.
https://mds.marshall.edu/etd/262
