Randomized trial of a digital single-session intervention for body image and mood concerns among LGBTQ+ adolescents

LGBTQ+ youth experience disproportionately high rates of mental health concerns, including eating disorders (EDs) and depression. Body dissatisfaction is a shared risk factor for EDs and depression. Given the limited nature of accessible, affirming resources, LGBTQ+ youth often seek mental health support online. Promising research has been conducted on LGBTQ-affirmative interventions, but this work has focused on adults and digital delivery has been limited. To reduce body dissatisfaction at-scale, we developed a digital, single-session intervention (SSI)-Project Body Neutrality. A total of 218 LGBTQ+ adolescents (ages 13-17) with body image and mood concerns were recruited online and randomized to Project Body Neutrality or to a control (a structurally similar digital SSI designed to mimic supportive therapy). Both conditions were highly acceptable, and a qualitative analysis of open-ended feedback elucidates what participants found most helpful about Project Body Neutrality. Compared to control participants, intervention participants reported significantly greater immediate positive changes in body satisfaction, functionality appreciation, hopelessness, and perceived agency. At 3-month follow-up, these differences were not sustained. Across the full sample, there were no significant differences between groups in 3-month reductions in ED psychopathology or depression symptoms. However, an exploratory analysis indicates that the intervention had a significant effect on ED psychopathology among participants at-risk for EDs (as opposed to those above the clinical threshold). Future research would benefit from further investigation of when, for whom, and within what treatment-seeking context Project Body Neutrality may be most impactful (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06172452).