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Assessing the Usability, Feasibility, and Engagement in IM FAB, a Functionality-Focused Micro-Intervention to Reduce
D Catherine Walker1, Mai P N Tran1, Lauren E Leavitt1
1Department of Psychology, Union College, Schenectady, NY 12308, USA.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|November 27, 2025
Summary
Digital mental health interventions show promise for body image concerns. The In the Mirror: Functional Appreciated Bodies (IM FAB) program, a micro-intervention, demonstrated high usability, feasibility, and engagement among undergraduate women, suggesting potential for broader application.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Digital Health
- Mental Health Interventions
Background:
- Clinical practice lags in leveraging digital technology for widespread mental health support.
- Body image dissatisfaction and eating disorder risk are significant concerns, particularly among young women.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the usability, feasibility, and engagement of the In the Mirror: Functional Appreciated Bodies (IM FAB) micro-intervention.
- To inform future digital mental health intervention development using the IM FAB treatment techniques.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 200 undergraduate women using a 3-week mirror exposure and text-based journaling intervention.
- Evaluation of usability, feasibility, and engagement through post-experiment questionnaires including the Usability Metric for User Experience (UMUX) scale.
Main Results:
- High scores for usability, feasibility, and engagement were reported.
- Participants responded positively overall, with some concerns regarding self-directed accountability and engagement in a digital format.
- Text journaling was found to support learning from mirror exposures.
Conclusions:
- The IM FAB intervention shows high potential for digital adaptation in mental health.
- Insights gained will guide the future development of IM FAB as a mobile app with personalized features.
- Digital micro-interventions can be effective tools for addressing body image dissatisfaction and eating disorder risk.
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