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

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Digital Health
• Eating Disorder Research

Background:

• Young individuals at risk for eating disorders often use social media and search for body image-related content.
• Previous research demonstrated a guided chat-based intervention's effectiveness in reducing eating disorder pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess if a modified single-session mini-course could reduce body image concerns.
• To evaluate the intervention's impact on individuals searching for eating disorder-related terms on social media.

Main Methods:

• A web-based mini-course was developed from a prior chat-based intervention.
• 525 individuals accessed and completed the mini-course via a social media prompt over two months.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement in body image satisfaction (p < .001, Cohen's d = 0.54).
• Significant increase in motivation to change body image (p < .001, Cohen's d = 0.28).
• Participants reported the program was enjoyable and easy to use.

Conclusions:

• A single-session micro-intervention delivered via social media can effectively improve body image.
• This approach shows potential for early intervention among at-risk individuals.
• Digital interventions offer accessible avenues for addressing body image concerns.