Project Body Neutrality: Piloting a digital single‐session intervention for adolescent body image and depression

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveEating disorders and depression impact youth at alarming rates, yet most adolescents do not access support. Single‐session interventions (SSIs) can reach youth in need. This pilot examines the acceptability and utility of a SSI designed to help adolescents improve functionality appreciation (a component of body neutrality) by focusing on valuing one's body based on the functions it performs, regardless of appearance satisfaction.MethodPre‐ to post‐intervention data were collected, and within‐group effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals were computed, to evaluate the immediate effects of the SSI on hopelessness, functionality appreciation, and body dissatisfaction. Patterns of use, demographics, program feedback, and responses from within the SSI were collected.ResultsThe SSI and all questionnaires were completed by 75 adolescents (ages: 13–17 years, 74.70% White/Caucasian, 48.00% woman/girl) who reported elevated body image and mood problems. Analyses detected significant pre–post improvements in hopelessness (dav = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.35–0.84; dz = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.51–1.02), functionality appreciation (dav = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.46–0.97; dz = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.67–1.21), and body dissatisfaction (dav = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.36–0.86; dz = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.50–1.02). The SSI was rated as highly acceptable, with a mean overall score of 4.34/5 (SD = 0.54). Qualitative feedback suggested adolescents' endorsement of body neutrality concepts, including functionality appreciation, as personally‐relevant, helpful targets for intervention.DiscussionThis evaluation supports the acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of the Project Body Neutrality SSI for adolescents with body image and mood concerns.Public SignificanceResults suggest the acceptability and utility of a digital, self‐guided, single‐session intervention—Project Body Neutrality—for adolescents experiencing co‐occurring depressive symptoms and body image disturbances. Given the intervention's low cost and inherent scalability, it may be positioned to provide support to youth with limited access to traditional care.