Cluster Randomised Control Trial of the BodyKind Body Image Programme

Summary

Body dissatisfaction, a primary risk factor for eating disorders, is prevalent among adolescents. Given increases in adolescent body dissatisfaction since the Covid-19 pandemic, there is a pressing need for universal body image interventions, particularly for older adolescents aged 15-17 years, as this is a peak time for the onset of adolescent body image concerns; however, currently there are no evidence-based body image programmes for this age group.

This cluster randomised control trial will evaluate the effectiveness of BodyKind, a four session, teacher led, mixed gender body image intervention for older adolescents that incorporates empirically supported principles of self-compassion, cognitive dissonance and social justice. The version of BodyKind culturally adapted for the Irish context will be evaluated in adolescents aged 15-17 years in fourth year in post-primary schools in Ireland. Primary outcomes of body dissatisfaction, body appreciation and psychological wellbeing, in addition to secondary outcomes of body ideal internalisation, self-compassion and compassion for others will be assessed at pre, post and 2 month follow up in intervention groups (who receive the BodyKind programme) and waitlist controls.

Conditions

• Body Image

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

BodyKind programme

BodyKind is a four-session, teacher-led, school-based programme for adolescents aged 15-17 years. This programme was developed by a team of international experts in body image and incorporates empirically supported principles of cognitive dissonance (which involves publicly criticising body ideals) and self-compassion (which involves reappraising self-critical evaluations). BodyKind also contains a social activism component that aims to tackle appearance biases, discrimination and racism and promote greater inclusivity and compassion for others. Programme Outline Lesson 1. Appearance Bias Lesson 2. Self-compassion \& social media Lesson 3. Compassion for others Lesson 4. Becoming agents of change Learning Objectives * To cultivate skills in awareness, mindfulness, non-judgement, reflection, conscientiousness, compassion * To decrease levels of body dissatisfaction and self-criticism * To improve levels of self-compassion, positive body image, psychological wellbeing

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Jigsaw, The National Centre for Youth Mental Health, Ireland

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Irish Research Council

  collaborator OTHER

• Be Real USA NFP

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• University College Dublin

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Ciara Mahon, PhD · University College Dublin

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

15 Years

Max Age

17 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2023-06-01

Primary Completion

2024-06-30

Completion

2024-06-30

Countries

• Ireland

Study Locations