The development of a novel stakeholder-informed body dissatisfaction prevention program for adolescent females : a pilot project

Dr. Susie Orbach describes body image issues as “a public health emergency.” Negative body image is linked to a myriad of negative health outcomes including eating disorders, depression, low self-esteem, lower levels of physical activity, and obesity (Goldschmidt et al., 2008; Hayden-Wade et al., 2005; Paxton et al., 2006). Body image programs have successfully been delivered to older adolescents, but often address only a narrow range of topics, despite the numerous interacting factors contributing to the development of negative body image. However, the literature suggests that body image issues are typically established by late adolescence (Rohde et al., 2015). Therefore, the present dissertation involved the creation of a multi-faceted body image program, termed BeMyself, targeting female youth aged 12-14, with the aim of preventing body dissatisfaction. The BeMyself program combines empirically established techniques that promote healthy body image with mindfulness, self-compassion, and yoga. The current study consisted of a pilot study to evaluate feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes, as well a qualitative study to explore stakeholder feedback. The BeMyself program was evaluated in a small sample of adolescent females, who attended eight 60-minute meetings composed of didactic learning, discussion, self-reflection activities, meditation, and yoga. Self-report measures of body image, peer influences, topic integration, and program feedback were completed across three time points. Descriptive statistics and analysis of qualitative survey responses support the acceptability of the program. However, the feasibility of the program was not supported, primarily due to low recruitment and high attrition rates. Qualitative data were then collected from 18 stakeholders via semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis uncovered several key themes across the interviews, including the acceptability and developmental suitability of BeMyself structure and content, and the importance of offering a program like BeMyself to adolescent girls. Finally, the recommended modifications to BeMyself program included enhanced parental involvement, incorporation of the program into the school day, and the dissemination of more informative advertisement packages to aid recruitment. Taken together, this program of research supports the future application of the BeMyself body image program for adolescent girls as an acceptable and promising comprehensive program informed by teachers and families.Arts and Social Sciences, Irving K. Barber Faculty of (Okanagan)Psychology, Department of (Okanagan)Graduat