Advances in School Mental Health Promotion

MENTAL HEALTH

Pilot testing a professional development model for preservice teachers in the area of health and weight: feasibility, utility, and efficacy

Shelly Russell-Mayhew, Sarah Nutter, Alana Ireland, Tina Gabriele, Angela Bardick, Jackie Crooks & Gavin Peat

ABSTRACT

Studies indicate that both preservice and in-service teachers find it difficult to connect to their role as health promoters within a school context. There is also evidence that those teachers most often responsible for delivering health education (i.e., physical education teachers) are at an increased risk for body dissatisfaction, dieting, and disordered eating. A pre – post pilot study assessed the feasibility and utility of an interactive professional development workshop on preservice teachers’ attitudes concerning body image, size acceptance, eating, and physical activity, as well as the impact of the workshop on perceived self-efficacy to address weight-related issues. The professional development had a positive effect on antifat attitudes, body image, implicit weight bias, and efficacy to address weight issues. While the workshop was useful in terms of significant changes in preservice teachers’ attitudes and efficacy, lessons around feasibility will inform the development of this pilot study to full-scale workshop with preservice teachers.