A 9-day mobile health application improves body image and self-compassion in young adults - A randomised controlled trial with a 4-week follow-up (Preprint)

Abstract

Body image concerns are prevalent among young adults and digital mobile health (mHealth) applications are cost-effective and scalable interventions.

To examine the effectiveness of a mHealth application in improving body image and self-compassion in young adults

This randomised controlled trial (RCT) examined the effectiveness of a self-guided mHealth application in improving body image and self-compassion in university students. Participants (N=310) were randomized to a body image and self-compassion 9-day self-guided mHealth application (N=149), and to an active-waitlist control group (N=161), where participants completed a similarly structured 9-day program with daily brief exercises on cooperation.

The intervention group reported significant reductions in body dissatisfaction, and improvements in body appreciation and self-compassion, as compared to the active wait-list control groups. Effects were maintained at 4-week follow-up for females, but not in males. Body image risk factors were also significantly reduced for females at post-intervention, and at 4-week follow-up, as compared to the active wait-list control group.

The current study provides preliminary evidence for a self-guided mHealth application in improving body image concerns in young adults. Future studies should include longer follow-ups, and examine its effects in the wider populations of young adults.

This RCT was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (Registration number: NCT04977973).