Last month, 200 CUW students gathered for a day of education and Christian service related to body image and eating disorder prevention.
The day centered around Psalm 139:14. The event, coordinated by Dr. Vittoria Sipone and Dr. Holly Griskell, is one of a series of service-learning projects organized by the Psychology Department each semester.
I praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well.
—Psalm 139:14
The morning began with a blessing by Pastor Smith and a presentation by Megan Ludke, the founder and executive director of Live RecoverED, a Christian non-profit dedicated to shining a light on eating disorders. Ludke’s presentation informed students of signs of eating disorders and shared a Scripture-based approach to loving one’s own body and recovering from an eating disorder.
Following the presentation, students participated in a variety of service projects. Students wrote letters to individuals in eating disorder recovery to give them strength and hope in their journey. Other students decorated wooden comfort plaques with artwork and messages of care. These activities helped Live RecoverED in their mission to be a beacon of hope for individuals experiencing eating disorders and other mental health concerns.
Responding to student need
Drs. Sipone and Griskell felt called to bring this program to campus after students expressed a need for more programming surrounding eating disorders during Mental Health Week in Fall 2023. Drs. Sipone and Griskell, alongside other life coaches at CUW, became certified in The Body Project (body image training) in December 2023. They plan to continue partnering with Megan Ludke and Live RecoverED to share God’s message of love with CUW students who are challenged by society’s pressures to have the “ideal body.”
This article is written by Holly Griskell, PhD, who serves as Assistant Professor of Psychology.
Want in?
The mission of the psychology program is to increase the awareness of the boundaries and applications of psychology, foster intellectual development and problem solving, and encourage students to serve others within the context of Christian faith. The psychology program is committed to cultivating multicultural awareness and appreciation for the magnificence of God viewed through human diversity. The program prepares students to pursue helping professions and/or graduate study.
If you are interested in learning more about psychology at CUW, you can contact Psychology Department Chair Dr. Rachel Pickett at rachel.pickett@cuw.edu, or click below.