Body Image
Conditions
Keywords
body image, eating disorder, psychological wellbeing, weight stigma, social stigma, digital health
Brief summary
This present study will examine the effectiveness of a single session, virtually delivered body empowerment program for decreasing participants thin ideal internalization. The intervention asks participants to identify cultural norms surrounding appearance and attractiveness, then challenge these ideals. Participants will answer questions about thin ideal internalization before and after the program.
Detailed description
A body empowerment program rooted in the psychological theory of cognitive dissonance has been shown to be effective to reduce the value of the thin beauty ideal. This theory proposes that humans are motivated to maintain consistency in their beliefs and actions, and inconsistencies will result in psychological discomfort (or cognitive dissonance). A shift in beliefs or actions is required to resolve this discomfort and maintain consistency. However, the accessibility of this program is lacking. The proposed study will examine the effectiveness of a single session, virtually delivered body empowerment program designed to create cognitive dissonance by asking participants to identify cultural norms surrounding appearance and attractiveness, then challenge these ideals through a series of interactive activities in a fully virtual, self-paced module. Challenging these ideals (e.g., identifying how ideals represent very narrow identities and are informed by oppressive value systems, stating the psychological costs of trying to change your body to match ideals) theoretically creates cognitive dissonance in those who have internalized the value of pursuing those ideals. This dissonance is resolved through a reduced investment in the ideals and then hypothesized to lead to more positive attitudes about body image, dieting, and other unhealthy weight control behaviors. The program consists of a single 45-minute self paced, interactive, virtual module. Primary assessments will be completed at pre-intervention and post-intervention.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALVirtual single session intervention
A single session, self-paced body empowerment program. The program consists of a single 45-minute self paced, interactive, virtual module.
Sponsors
Equip Health
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* 18+ years of age * Able to reliably access internet * Can speak and read English * Completed the body empowerment program
Exclusion criteria
* None
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in thin ideal internalization | Pre intervention obtained prior to completing the intervention, and immediately following the intervention. | Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire (SATAQ-4) questionnaire will be used to evaluate thin ideal internalization. Participants note their agreement or disagreement regarding beliefs about appearance on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from definitely disagree (1) to definitely agree (5). The thin ideal internalization subscale will be used. High scores indicate greater thin ideal internalization. |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed