Att förebygga och bemöta ätstörningsproblematik bland barn och unga : En litteraturöversikt om skolkuratorers hinder och möjligheter

Sammanfattning

Eating disorders are multifaceted psychiatric conditions that frequently affect both psychological, physical and social dimensions of those affected. Children and teenagers are especially vulnerable to developing eating disorder symptoms and therefore it is essential for social workers to address and prevent eating disorders amongst youth. The aim of this study is to contribute with deeper knowledge about how school counselors can prevent and address eating disorders amongst teenagers and children by examining and comparing current research. The study is designed as a structured literature review with elements of the methodology used in systematic review studies. The final sample of 13 articles were analyzed thematically through the lens of ecological systems theory as well as the terms risk factors and protective factors. The findings indicate that school counselors can work with eating disorder-specific risk factors and protective factors in order to prevent future eating disorder symptoms. Furthermore, the findings also indicate that school counselors can address risk and protective factors through classroom-based intervention, individual counseling and group work. School counselors can also help children and teenagers who have already developed eating disorders by increasing awareness about eating disorders symptoms, offering individual counseling and cooperating with professions within and outside the school setting. The findings also indicate that school counselors who experience a lack of knowledge, time and resources are less likely to prevent and address eating disorder related problems.