Evaluating change in body image concerns following a single session digital intervention

Matthew D. Nemesure, Chloe Park, Robert R. Morris, William W. Chan, Ellen E. Fitzsimmons-Craft, Gavin N. Rackoff, Lauren A. Fowler, C. Barr Taylor, Nicholas C. Jacobson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Many young individuals at risk for eating disorders spend time on social media and frequently search for information related to their body image concerns. In a large randomized study, we demonstrated that a guided chat-based intervention could reduce weight and shape concerns and eating disorder pathology. The goal of the current study was to determine if a modified single session mini-course, derived from the aforementioned chat-based intervention, could reduce body image concerns among individuals using eating disorder related search terms on a social media platform. Over a two-month period of prompting individuals, 525 people followed the link to the web-based application where the intervention was hosted and subsequently completed the mini-course. This resulted in a significant improvement on the one-time body image satisfaction question pre-to post intervention (p <.001) with a moderate effect size (Cohen's d = 0.54). Additionally, individuals completing the program showed significant improvement on motivation to change their body image (p <.001) with a small effect size (Cohen's d = 0.28). Additionally, users reported that the program was enjoyable and easy to use. These results suggest that a single session micro-intervention, offered to individuals on social media, can help improve body image.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)64-68
Number of pages5
JournalBody Image
Volume44
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2023

Keywords

  • Body image
  • Digital Intervention
  • Micro-intervention
  • Online Delivery
  • Scalability
  • Social media

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