An evaluation of a body image intervention based on risk factors for body dissatisfaction: a controlled study with adolescent girls.
OBJECTIVE
In this research we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a theoretically derived school-based body image intervention for young adolescent girls.


METHODS
Participants were 194, female Grade 7 students from two Catholic Secondary Schools in Melbourne, Australia. One school was allocated to the intervention group and the other school was allocated to the control group. The intervention group participated in three 50-min body image intervention sessions, while the control group received their usual classes. All participants completed baseline, post-intervention and 3-month follow-up questionnaires.


RESULTS
The intervention group reported significantly more positive outcomes than the control group on measures of intervention topic knowledge, risk factors for body dissatisfaction, body image, dietary restraint and self-esteem, at post-intervention and follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides support for the efficacy of a theoretically derived school-based body image intervention with adolescent girls.
Richardson
Shanel M
SM
School of Psychological Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.
Paxton
Susan J
SJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D001828:Body Image; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012307:Risk Factors; D012574:Schools; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires