Healing Path Foundation | 9342 E. Central, Suite I | Wichita, KS 67206 | (316) 630-9444

Prevention

The Healing Path Foundation works to increase awareness and prevention of eating disorders. This web site provides information on local activities and links to national organizations. Local prevention efforts have been underway for several years.

Prevention is important to reduce the incidence of eating disorders. To address the underlying issues often associated with high-risk behaviors the Healing Path Foundation developed a program called Respect Self Value People (RSVP). RSVP programs are offered to area middle schools. Presentations are interactive and introduce core concepts to the students and complement a school’s existing curriculum.

What is Respect Self Value People?

The Respect Self Value People (RSVP) program was developed through the collaboration of the organization’s members, community experts and local educators. Using national research findings of effective and sustainable approaches, RSVP was piloted in public and private schools in the metropolitan area. Piloted two ways: as day- long symposiums and as classroom sessions. Mentors attended with the students during the day-long pilot programs.

Students were instrumental in helping define the areas of concern to target in the curriculum. Preliminary data indicates that RSVP does make a difference in providing middle schoolers with skills and practice needed to curb high-risk behaviors.

Why this prevention approach?

Prerequisites for young people who grow up to become strong adults are a healthy sense of one’s potential, competence and value. Young people can learn to take responsibility for themselves, for their own well-being, and for their relations with others. In today’s society of complex challenges, helping young people make choices and teaching them to become more aware of the consequences of their actions becomes critically important.

Research indicates the risk factors at the core of eating disorders are also related to substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and violence. Primary prevention research suggests that problem specific approaches may not be effective because they tend to miss the root causes of the problems: stress, low self-esteem, and poor coping mechanisms. Instead, programs that emphasize self-development and life skills are more effective.

How it will help?

RSVP provides the framework of an effective prevention tool to complement existing school curriculum or an organizations’ programming. RSVP is a practical approach to help students gain competence and skills essential to develop respect for themselves and others. Introduction, learning and practice of these ideas during middle school with reinforcement over time can support the transition to healthy adulthood for young people.

For others to use

Healing Path Foundation program efforts culminated in the publication of a middle school curriculum. Co-authored by Tamara Pryor, Ph.D. and Jana Konek, Respect Self Value People (RSVP) Middle School Student Lesson and Activity Guide was published in September 2002. RSVP is designed for use by teachers, parents, youth groups and mentoring organizations. The Healing Path Foundation receives all proceeds from the sales of RSVP to benefit the non-profit organization.

Respect Self Value People Middle School Student Lesson and Activity Guide
By Tamara Pryor, Ph.D. and Jana Konek

This lesson guide for middle school students age 10 to 14 is a prevention tool designed to build healthy self-esteem and identity. The guide includes experiential activities for students to learn skills and practice behaviors to strengthen their competence, develop their potential and support healthy relationships.

Forty-one lesson plans are included for use by educators, parents or youth leaders. Each chapter provides objectives, background information, teacher’s preparation and materials, a suggested lesson script, activities and handouts.

Table of Contents
Chapter 1- Self-Esteem
Chapter 2- Identity/Competency
Chapter 3- Body Image
Chapter 4- The World of Emotions
Chapter 5- Selecting Role Models

    This lesson guide teaches:
  • A positive sense of self can be developed by identifying unique features and a realistic and strong self-image.
  • Character traits can be recognized and developed in healthy ways.
  • Physical appearance is not a measure of a person’s character.
  • Students can learn to be comfortable expressing feelings.
  • Students can learn to express anger in healthy ways.
  • Words are powerful and should be selected carefully and delivered respectfully.
  • Students can learn to value diversity, increase understanding and enrich their own life by getting to know a broad variety of people of different cultures and life experiences.
  • Students can learn a step-by-step approach to setting goals.
  • Students can learn how to make healthy choices in role model selection.
  • Students can develop good communication skills.
  • Students can learn how to set healthy boundaries in relationships.
Privacy Policy
©2008 Healing Path.org | All Rights Reserved