title: Dissemination of evidence-based body image interventions: A pilot study into the effectiveness of using undergraduate students as interventionists in secondary schools.
abstract: Dissonance-based body image interventions are among the most effective interventions for adolescent girls. However, dissemination of these interventions remains challenging. In addition, the emerging field of positive body image suggests that interventions should promote body appreciation as well as reduce pathology. The current study examines whether undergraduate students can effectively deliver a dissonance-based intervention to secondary school girls. In addition, it examines whether this intervention can increase body appreciation. Sixty-two adolescent girls were randomly allocated to the intervention or control condition. In the intervention group, body dissatisfaction was significantly reduced and body appreciation was significantly improved from pre- to post-intervention. There were no changes in body dissatisfaction or body appreciation in the control group. There was a reduction in thin-ideal internalization for all participants. These preliminary findings suggest that undergraduate students can be effective interventionists for dissonance-based programs in schools and dissonance-based interventions can promote body appreciation.
authors: Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK. Electronic address: emma.halliwell@uwe.ac.uk.
authors: Emma
authors: E
authors: Halliwell
authors: Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK.
authors: Hannah
authors: H
authors: Jarman
authors: Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK.
authors: Alice
authors: A
authors: McNamara
authors: Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK.
authors: Holly
authors: H
authors: Risdon
authors: Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds, UK.
authors: Glen
authors: G
authors: Jankowski
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology*; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012574:Schools; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Adolescent girls; Body appreciation; Body dissatisfaction; Dissonance-based interventions; Peer-leaders