Abstract
The researchers in this project addressed the problem regarding the inaccessibility of eating disorder information for school mental health in academic settings. This inaccessibility leads to a lack of knowledge and avoidance of the problem in schools. With the increasing rates of eating disorders and the necessity for early intervention, it is critical to have information readily available to school mental health professionals. Furthermore, there is confusion as to what promotes and what deters eating disorders in prevention program. The researchers developed an anorexia nervosa questionnaire pertaining to prevalence rates, indicators, symptoms and warning signs, epidemiology as well as schools psychologists' perceptions of their role in the schools. The participants for this research included practicing School Psychologists employed by Western Placer, Roseville Joint Union High School, Roseville City, Rocklin, Auburn, Nevada City, Eureka, Placer County Office of Education, Woodland, Winters, Davis, Sacramento City, and Natomas Unified School Districts. An analysis was conducted using a percentage breakdown of the recipients multiple choice answers. This thesis found that school psychologists within the greater Sacramento area appear to have well developed clinical knowledge of Anorexia Nervosa, yet lack the practical understanding of how the disorder could manifest within school aged youth.