Abstract
ObjectiveTo explain, through mediation analyses, the mechanisms by which ATHENA (Athletes Targeting Healthy Exercise and Nutrition Alternatives), a primary prevention and health promotion intervention designed to deter unhealthy body shaping behaviors among female high school athletes, produced immediate changes in intentions for unhealthy weight loss and steroid/creatine use, and to examine the link to long-term follow-up intentions and behaviors.MethodsIn a randomized trial of 1668 athletes, intervention participants completed coach-led peer-facilitated sessions during their sport season. Participants provided pre-test, immediate post-test, and 9-month follow-up assessments.ResultsATHENA decreased intentions for steroid/creatine use and intentions for unhealthy weight loss behaviors at post-test. These effects were most strongly mediated by social norms and self-efficacy for healthy eating. Low post-test intentions were maintained 9 months later and predicted subsequent behavior. ConclusionsATHENA successfully modified mediators that in turn related to athletic-enhancing substance use and unhealthy weight loss practices. Mediation analyses aid in the understanding of health promotion interventions and inform program development.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1069-1083 |
| Number of pages | 15 |
| Journal | Journal of pediatric psychology |
| Volume | 34 |
| Issue number | 10 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jan 2009 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Adolescents
- Educational interventions
- Health promotion and prevention
- LLongitudinal research
- Mediation analysis.
- Peers
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Developmental and Educational Psychology