Teaching adolescents about changing bodies: Randomized controlled trial of an Internet puberty education and body dissatisfaction prevention program.
This study tested the efficacy of an Internet-based prevention program, Trouble on the Tightrope: In Search of Skateboard Sam, on pubertal knowledge, body esteem, and self-esteem. One hundred and ninety participants (mean age 11.6 years) were randomized to either an intervention or attention placebo control condition and were assessed at baseline, after three Internet-based sessions, and at 3-month follow-up. Although the primary hypotheses were not supported, exploratory moderator analyses indicated that the intervention was beneficial for select students. Specifically, pubertal status moderated the effects on weight-related body esteem and several domains of self-esteem, resulting in positive effects for participants in the intervention group who had begun puberty. Gender differences were found on self-esteem subscales, indicating more robust effects for girls than boys. Tailored Internet programs based on personal characteristics such as gender and pubertal status may be a fruitful area for future research with adolescents.
Cousineau
Tara M
TM
BodiMojo, Inc., United States.
Franko
Debra L
DL
Trant
Meredith
M
Rancourt
Diana
D
Ainscough
Jessica
J
Chaudhuri
Anamika
A
Brevard
Julie
J
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D001828:Body Image; D002648:Child; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D011627:Puberty / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D012741:Sexual Maturation; D012984:Software