BodiMojo: Effective Internet-based promotion of positive body image in adolescent girls

Abstract

This study tested the efficacy of an Internet-based health promotion program, BodiMojo, designed to promote positive body image in adolescents. Participants were 178 students (mean age 15.2 years, 67.6% ethnic minority) in three public high schools. Intervention groups used BodiMojo for four weekly health class periods, while controls participated in their usual health curriculum. Body image measures were given at baseline, post-intervention, and 3 months. Girls reported decreased body dissatisfaction (p < .05), decreased physical appearance comparison (p < .05), and increased appearance satisfaction (p < .05), relative to controls. Effects were not maintained at 3 month follow-up. No significant differences were found between the intervention and control groups with boys. Moderation analyses suggested positive effects for diverse adolescents as well as those who were overweight or indicated baseline high body dissatisfaction. BodiMojo appears to be modestly effective in decreasing body image concerns among adolescent girls in the short term.

Considering an affect regulation framework for examining the association between body dissatisfaction and positive body image in Black older adolescent females: Does body mass index matter?

“…To avoid or minimize contributing to the marginalization experiences of these young women, college health officials are additionally encouraged to examine their own possible biases (potentially shaped by the sizeable extant research base; e.g., Franko & Roehrig, 2011) with respect to beliefs that Black young women are not at risk for experiencing significant levels of body dissatisfaction and that overweight and obese Black females categorically embrace their larger sizes (Wolfe, 2000). Instead, they are urged to engage in positive body image health promoting strategies among their newly matriculating female students regardless of race/ethnicity (e.g., Franko, Cousineau, Rodgers, & Roehrig, 2013). This inclusive approach would not mistakenly assume that an individual’s racial or ethnic identity label means that she has been previously armed with a comprehensive understanding of current views on positive body image or is already well-skilled at accessing adaptive coping responses while exposed to myriad daily opportunities to encounter threats to body satisfaction.…”

Adolescent Boys’ Reactions to Using Avatars to Represent Their Bodies

“…Similar to the study conducted by Franko and colleagues (2013), the adolescent boys in this study responded that they liked the chance to win a prize. Many also enjoyed the avatar sections of the ATTAIN and suggested the avatars resemble those in video games.…”

“…Overall, the boys had a positive reaction to the ATTAIN and were able to complete it in the allotted classroom time. Few prevention programs exist that address body image with adolescents and a few include boys (Franko, Cousineau, Rodgers, & Roehrig, 2013). Boys do experience body image concerns (Ricciardelli & MCabe, 2004), and adolescence seems to be the time that these concerns emerge (McCabe, Ricciardelli & Finemore, 2002).…”

“…In one study, adolescents who were part of a weight management program had positive reactions to the use of weight-related text messages that were relevant to them with personal information (Woolford & Clark, 2009). Franko et al (2013) conducted a study that included an internet-based program for adolescents to promote health behavior change through technology and social engagement. They found that the adolescent girls responded positively to more of the questions than the boys who were more interested in games and earning points for prizes.…”

Propuesta para mejorar la percepción de la imagen corporal, desde la psicología positiva

“…Therefore, the proper age range must be defi ned and the intervention must be focused on the positive with cognitive-behavioral therapy. A face-to-face therapy would be advised (Franko, Cousineau, Rodgers, & Roehrig, 2013), with well-outlined inclusion and exclusion criteria. This is the proposal for treatment in adolescent and young adult women with the goal of improving body image and happiness.…”