A pre-post evaluation of the impact of the Embrace Kids film on children's and adults' body image and self-compassion

Given the prevalence of body dissatisfaction among young people, which tends to persist into adulthood, a need exists for large-scale interventions that address this problem. Film has been identified as a resource that is well-suited to large-scale dissemination, which can achieve broad impact and reach. Embrace Kids, a film aimed at improving young people's body image, is one such resource. To evaluate the film's impact on body image, 55 children (M = 10.59, SD = 1.49) and 47 adults (M = 43.75, SD = 8.54) were recruited from the Australian general public to complete a brief survey before and after viewing the film. After viewing the film, significant increases in state body appreciation, state functionality appreciation and state self-compassion were reported for children (d = 0.46 - 0.61) and adults (d = 0.88 - 1.08). They supported the safety of the film by indicating that it did not make them more concerned about their appearance. Findings provide initial support for the film as a scalable intervention that can be safely task-shifted to non-professional audiences. Future research directions include comparing the effect of Embrace Kids against a control film, and testing the longitudinal impact of the film on trait body image.

Enhancing body image in motherhood: A randomised controlled trial of Expand Your Horizon among mothers of young children

Motherhood can increase vulnerability to body dissatisfaction, but positive body image interventions may mitigate this. Expand Your Horizon (Alleva et al., 2015), an online writing intervention, enhances functionality appreciation, an aspect of positive body image. The intervention's demonstrated efficacy and focus on body functionality indicate its potential use among mothers. However, its original 3-session format may be unfeasible for mothers alongside other commitments. Thus, we tested the impact of a single 15-minute Expand Your Horizon session on state body appreciation and functionality appreciation. Mothers (N = 143) of 0-10-year-olds were randomly allocated to either the intervention group, or an active control group. State body appreciation and functionality appreciation were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Trait self-compassion was tested as a potential moderator. Participants who completed Expand Your Horizon reported greater state body appreciation and functionality appreciation post-intervention than those in the control group. Self-compassion moderated the intervention's effect on state functionality appreciation, with effects strongest for those with lower levels of self-compassion. Overall, findings support the intervention's suitability for mothers, particularly those with low self-compassion. Practical implications include possibly tailoring Expand Your Horizon and similar interventions to benefit all mothers. Future research directions include longitudinal and qualitative designs, and extension to other specific populations.