Reflections: Body Image Program began at Trinity University when Dr. Carolyn Becker and an undergraduate student conducted a small study investigating a cognitive dissonance-based eating disorders prevention program with the local sororities on campus.

Four years later, the Trinity sororities formally adopted the sorority body image program into their annual new member orientation.  Participant data showed a significant reduction in eating disorder risk factors (Becker et al. 2005; 2006; in press), and sorority members believed the program had fundamentally altered the ways that Trinity sororities interacted with one another by creating a more cohesive community of women on campus.

Dr. Becker and Delta Delta Delta Fraternity formally partnered in 2005 to expand the program’s reach.  After piloting Reflections in twelve chapters over the next three years, Tri Delta moved to implement the program on college campuses nationwide.  Tri Delta collaborated with Oxford University Press and Drs. Becker and Stice to create the first published version of the program for wider dissemination.

Tri Delta believes its support of this ground-breaking program is an important step in confronting the thin-ideal standard of beauty that often contributes to body dissatisfaction among women.  Reflections has resulted in numerous scientific publications and presentations and has contributed substantially to the literature on cognitive dissonance-based eating disorders prevention. This program represents a unique collaboration between academic psychology and sororities, and it suggests that sororities represent a powerful partner in the dissemination of evidence-based eating disorders prevention programs to women.

Timeline of Reflections: Body Image Program

• 2001 – First pilot study conducted at Trinity University.
• 2002 – Based on positive results of pilot study, Trinity sororities begin new study.
• 2003 – Trinity sororities decided to implement a peer-led version of the program.
• 2004 – Trinity sororities formally adopted the program into their annual new member orientation.
• 2005 – Delta Delta Delta Fraternity began pilot-testing Reflections at campuses across the country.
• 2006 – Delta Delta Delta contributed to an additional year of pilot testing.
• 2007 – Tri Delta continued program expansion and collaborated with Oxford University Press to publish printed program materials.
• 2008 – Tri Delta formally launched Reflections nationwide, enabling Greek organizations and colleges and universities to implement the program.
  • The first Reflections: Body Image Academy (BIA), a training school for chapter members was held in Arlington, Texas.
  • Tri Delta expanded the program further training and implementing with 20 collegiate chapters.
• 2009 – Tri Delta hosted a total of three Body Image Academy Training sessions in Arlington, Texas training both collegiate members and campus professionals.