In the mirror: Functional appreciated bodies (IM FAB). Testing an easily disseminable body dissatisfaction...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Body Image Research
• Intervention Studies

Background:

• Body functionality interventions and mirror exposure (ME) are known to enhance body image.
• The In the Mirror: Functional Appreciated Bodies (IM FAB) is a digital micro-intervention combining body functionality and ME.

Purpose of the Study:

• To rigorously examine the effects of a functionality-focused mirror exposure intervention on various body image outcomes using a randomized controlled trial.
• To compare a functionality-based ME intervention against an active comparator and an assessment-only condition.

Main Methods:

• A 3-week randomized controlled study with 287 female-identifying undergraduates.
• Three groups: Functionality (functionality-based ME and prompts), Active Comparator (non-functionality ME and gratitude prompts), and Assessment Only.
• Measures included body image, eating disorder symptoms, body checking, and appreciation, assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 1- and 4-month follow-ups.

Main Results:

• The Functionality group showed significant improvements in functional appreciation and body appreciation compared to the Active Comparator.
• Compared to Assessment Only, the Functionality group improved functional appreciation, appearance evaluation, and reduced body checking.
• The Functionality condition also demonstrated a significant reduction in eating disorder symptoms compared to the Active Comparator.

Conclusions:

• Functionality-focused mirror exposure may be an effective intervention for improving positive body image.
• The IM FAB intervention shows promise in enhancing body appreciation and reducing negative body image indicators.