-Full Site -Film Catalog -Filmmakers -Study Guides

Companion Guide for A Season in Hell

(1) Do not show this video in class or at a gathering (e.g., a sorority meeting or a support group) without first viewing the film yourself and thinking about it carefully.

(2) It is a good idea to set aside two hours (e.g., two class periods) for use of this film. The film is nearly an hour long, and there should also be ample time for questions and discussion.

(3) This film is apt to motivate some students to discuss either their personal problems with eating and body image, or their concerns about friends. Neither of these issues should be discussed in class, except perhaps in the abstract (e.g., what can friends do to help?).

Instead, teachers should

(a) Make themselves available to speak privately with concerned students. Some do's and don'ts for teachers who are willing to listen are given in Appendix I.

(b) Inform the counseling staff that they will be showing the film in class, and try to arrange for counselors to be available to speak privately and discreetly with concerned students.

Brumberg, J. J. (1998). Fasting girls: The emergence of anorexia nervosa as a modern disease. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

Bruch, H. (1978). The golden cage: The enigma of anorexia nervosa. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

Carney, B. (1986). Preventive Curriculum for anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Windsor, Ontario: Bulimia and Anorexia Nervosa Association (BANA) - Can/Am. Available from BANA -- See address at the bottom of this page. Designed for middle school and high school students.

Chernin, K. (1982). The Obsession: Reflections on the Tyranny of Slenderness. New York: Harper and Row.

Collins, M. E. (1988). Education for healthy body weight: Helping adolescents balance the cultural pressure for thinness. Journal of School Health, 58, 227-231.

Kinor, B. P. (1984). When will we laugh again? Living and dealing with anorexia nervosa and bulimia. New York: Columbia University Press.

Levine, M. P. (1987) . Student eating disorders: Anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Washington, D.C.: National Education Association

Rodin, J., Schank, D., & Striegel-Moore, R. (1989). Psychological features of obesity. Medical Clinics of North America, 73, 47-66. Available from D. J. Rodin, Department of Psychology, Yale University, 2 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT 06520.

Streigel-Moore, R. H., Silberstein, L. R., & Rodin, J. (1986). Toward an understanding of risk factors for bulimia. American Psychologist, 41, 246-263. This outstanding article is available from Dr. Streigel-Moore, Department of Psychology, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT 06457.

The organizations listed below exist to help people learn more about the nature causes, treatment, and prevention of eating disorders. Thus, these organizations are very willing to provide low cost or free advice and materials (e.g., pamphlets) to help teachers.

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
Box 271
Highland Park, IL 60035
708-831-3438

National Anorexic Aid Society
1925 E. Dublin Granville Road
Columbus, OH 43229-3517
614-848-9900

American Anorexia/Bulimia Association
418 E. 76th Street
New York, NY 10021
212-734-1114

Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders, Inc.
P. O. Box 5102
Eugene, Oregon 97405
503-344-1144

Bulimia and Anorexia Nervosa Association
c/o Psychological Services
University of Windsor
Ontario, CANADA N9B 3P4
519-253-7421