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Is BodyThink an efficacious body image and self-esteem program? A controlled evaluation with adolescents
Shanel M Richardson1, Susan J Paxton, Julie S Thomson
1School of Psychological Science, La Trobe University Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia.
Body Image
|February 4, 2009
Summary
The BodyThink program improved media literacy for adolescent girls and boys. It also reduced thin-ideal internalization in girls and boosted body satisfaction in boys, though enhancements are suggested.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Media Studies
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Body image and self-esteem are crucial during adolescence.
- Widely disseminated programs aim to address these concerns.
- Evaluating program efficacy is essential for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of the BodyThink program on body image and self-esteem in adolescents.
- To assess program impact on media literacy, thin-ideal internalization, and body satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- Quasi-experimental design with 277 Australian grade 7 students.
- Intervention group received BodyThink program; control group received usual classes.
- Data collected via questionnaires at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- Girls in the intervention group showed higher media literacy and lower thin-ideal internalization.
- Boys in the intervention group demonstrated higher media literacy and body satisfaction.
- Positive outcomes observed, but potential for enhanced impact exists.
Conclusions:
- BodyThink demonstrates some efficacy in improving adolescent body image and media literacy.
- Program enhancements may be beneficial for wider dissemination.
- Further research should explore strategies to maximize program impact.
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