'Digital Bodies': A Controlled Evaluation of a Brief Classroom-Based Intervention for Reducing Negative Body Image among Adolescents in the Digital Age

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Bibliographic Details
Title: 'Digital Bodies': A Controlled Evaluation of a Brief Classroom-Based Intervention for Reducing Negative Body Image among Adolescents in the Digital Age
Language: English
Authors: Bell, Beth T. (ORCID 0000-0002-6587-0336), Taylor, Caitlin, Paddock, Danielle, Bates, Adam
Source: British Journal of Educational Psychology. Mar 2022 92(1):280-298.
Availability: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 19
Publication Date: 2022
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Intervention, Self Concept, Human Body, Adolescents, Social Media, Foreign Countries, Satisfaction
Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
DOI: 10.1111/bjep.12449
ISSN: 0007-0998
Abstract: Background: A growing body of research has linked social media use to negative body image. Aims: The present research aimed to evaluate the efficacy of "Digital Bodies," a brief classroom-based intervention that aims to improve adolescents' body image. Methods: British adolescents (N = 290; Age M = 12.81; SD = 0.40; Range = 12-13; Female = 151) were cluster randomized to intervention or waiting list control groups. Measures of body satisfaction, appearance ideal internalization (thin and athletic ideal internalization) and self-objectification were completed at baseline (T1), 1-week post-intervention (T2) and 8-week follow-up (T3). Results: Multi-level modelling showed adolescents in the intervention group reported improved body satisfaction at T2, in comparison to the control, and crucially this effect was sustained at T3. Additionally, girls reported less thin ideal internalization at T2 relative to the control, but this effect was not sustained at T3. No other intervention effects were found. Conclusions: Overall, the findings provide initial support for the efficacy of "Digital Bodies" as an intervention for improving adolescents' body satisfaction.
Abstractor: As Provided
Notes: https://osf.io/detr9/?view_only=8495dc9574304b69856d2704558f809a
Entry Date: 2022
Accession Number: EJ1326272
Database: ERIC
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Description
Abstract:Background: A growing body of research has linked social media use to negative body image. Aims: The present research aimed to evaluate the efficacy of "Digital Bodies," a brief classroom-based intervention that aims to improve adolescents' body image. Methods: British adolescents (N = 290; Age M = 12.81; SD = 0.40; Range = 12-13; Female = 151) were cluster randomized to intervention or waiting list control groups. Measures of body satisfaction, appearance ideal internalization (thin and athletic ideal internalization) and self-objectification were completed at baseline (T1), 1-week post-intervention (T2) and 8-week follow-up (T3). Results: Multi-level modelling showed adolescents in the intervention group reported improved body satisfaction at T2, in comparison to the control, and crucially this effect was sustained at T3. Additionally, girls reported less thin ideal internalization at T2 relative to the control, but this effect was not sustained at T3. No other intervention effects were found. Conclusions: Overall, the findings provide initial support for the efficacy of "Digital Bodies" as an intervention for improving adolescents' body satisfaction.
ISSN:0007-0998
DOI:10.1111/bjep.12449