Despite usual onset during adolescence the cause of low bone density in adolescent onset anorexia nervosa is incompletely understood. Puberty is known to be a crucial time for the development of peak bone mass, due principally to growth plate bone formation and modelling on preformed surfaces. This results in bone formation uncoupled from bone resorption leading to increased bone size due to increase in matrix and bone mineral content. It was hypothesized that low bone density in adolescent anorexia nervosa was caused by malnutrition during puberty suppressing normal bone matrix formation at all sites of bone formation thus arresting bone mineralization. Method 49 female adolescents with anorexia nervosa and 109 healthy female adolescent controls were studied. 22 of the anorexia nervosa subjects were studied again a year later. Bone area, mineral content and density were measured using Dual Xray Absorptiometry at the spine, hip and whole body sites, including body composition assessment. Estimated volumetric bone density was calculated using published equations in order to study bone density independent of bone size. Height, weight and Tanner stage in puberty were measured. Dietary intake and physical exercise were assessed using questionnaires. In a subset of anorexia nervosa and control subjects bone age was measured. In a subset of anorexia nervosa subjects bone formation was assessed using serum bone specific alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin, and bone resorption was assessed using urine N-telopeptide.

Text in English / Due to the fact that many adolescents do not follow a balanced diet, an investigation into the eating habits of adolescents was undertaken. Much research has been done on eating disorders but little research has been done on the concomitants and possible precursors to unhealthy eating habits among adolescents. A literature study was done to clarify which factors cause unhealthy eating habits. The developmental aspects of adolescence and the reciprocal effect on eating habits was also investigated. A valid and reliable measuring instrument was developed in order to measure eating habits of adolescents. This instrument was used in an empirical investigation including 340 respondents with the aim of determining the most important factors, which relate to the eating behaviour of adolescents. Educational implications of the findings are discussed in order to provide curriculum developers, teachers, parents, counsellors and the media with guidelines to help children to adopt healthy eating habits. / M.Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)

Text in English / Due to the fact that many adolescents do not follow a balanced diet, an investigation into the eating habits of adolescents was undertaken. Much research has been done on eating disorders but little research has been done on the concomitants and possible precursors to unhealthy eating habits among adolescents. A literature study was done to clarify which factors cause unhealthy eating habits. The developmental aspects of adolescence and the reciprocal effect on eating habits was also investigated. A valid and reliable measuring instrument was developed in order to measure eating habits of adolescents. This instrument was used in an empirical investigation including 340 respondents with the aim of determining the most important factors, which relate to the eating behaviour of adolescents. Educational implications of the findings are discussed in order to provide curriculum developers, teachers, parents, counsellors and the media with guidelines to help children to adopt healthy eating habits. / M.Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)

Due to the fact that there has been a dramatic increase in the number of adolescents with unhealthy eating habits there is a growing recognition on the part of professionals, educators and parents for the development and implementation of an intervention programme for the facilitation of healthy eating habits. Relevant literature on eating behaviour indicated that low self-concept is associated with health compromising behaviours such as unhealthy eating habits. The nature of self-concept and eating habits was explained in order to determine important exogenous and endogenous factors as well as perspectives to use as a background for the development of a Psychoeducational intervention programme. Theoretical principles and practical applications of cognitive-behaviour therapy and hypnotherapy were analysed and used as a foundation for the development of the intervention programme. The researcher developed an Interactionism Model of Self-concept and Eating habits and a Psycho-educational programme involving cognitive-behaviour therapy and hypnotherapy to improve eating habits of adolescents. Valid and reliable measuring instruments were used in order to measure self-concept and eating habits. A pre-test post-test design was implemented to nine participants using the Adolescent Self-concept Scale (ASCS), Eating Habits Questionnaire for Adolescents (EHQA) developed by the researcher (2001) and Body Mass Index (BMI). Diagnostic measuring instruments also included the Emotions Profile Index (EPI), Draw A Person (DAP), Sentence Completion, Dietary Record and interview. Results from the empirical study indicated that adolescents with low self-concept and unhealthy eating habits responded positively to the Psycho-educational programme involving cognitive-behaviour and hypnotherapy. Specifically, there was a significant increase in selfconcept and a satisfactory improvement in eating habits. Recommendations for psychotherapy practice, educators and parents were made, based on the current research results. The contribution of the study lies in the fact that a hands-on practical implementation of the Psycho-educational programme was developed to facilitate the improvement of eating habits and it further contributes to the psychological well-being and healthy life-style of adolescents having positive implications for society. / Educational Studies / D.Ed. (Psychology of Education)

Due to the fact that there has been a dramatic increase in the number of adolescents with unhealthy eating habits there is a growing recognition on the part of professionals, educators and parents for the development and implementation of an intervention programme for the facilitation of healthy eating habits. Relevant literature on eating behaviour indicated that low self-concept is associated with health compromising behaviours such as unhealthy eating habits. The nature of self-concept and eating habits was explained in order to determine important exogenous and endogenous factors as well as perspectives to use as a background for the development of a Psychoeducational intervention programme. Theoretical principles and practical applications of cognitive-behaviour therapy and hypnotherapy were analysed and used as a foundation for the development of the intervention programme. The researcher developed an Interactionism Model of Self-concept and Eating habits and a Psycho-educational programme involving cognitive-behaviour therapy and hypnotherapy to improve eating habits of adolescents. Valid and reliable measuring instruments were used in order to measure self-concept and eating habits. A pre-test post-test design was implemented to nine participants using the Adolescent Self-concept Scale (ASCS), Eating Habits Questionnaire for Adolescents (EHQA) developed by the researcher (2001) and Body Mass Index (BMI). Diagnostic measuring instruments also included the Emotions Profile Index (EPI), Draw A Person (DAP), Sentence Completion, Dietary Record and interview. Results from the empirical study indicated that adolescents with low self-concept and unhealthy eating habits responded positively to the Psycho-educational programme involving cognitive-behaviour and hypnotherapy. Specifically, there was a significant increase in selfconcept and a satisfactory improvement in eating habits. Recommendations for psychotherapy practice, educators and parents were made, based on the current research results. The contribution of the study lies in the fact that a hands-on practical implementation of the Psycho-educational programme was developed to facilitate the improvement of eating habits and it further contributes to the psychological well-being and healthy life-style of adolescents having positive implications for society. / Educational Studies / D.Ed. (Psychology of Education)