Acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a school-based body image intervention in urban India: A pilot randomised controlled trial

Garbett, Kirsty; Lewis-Smith, Helena; Chaudhry, Anshula; Schroff, H; Dhillon, Megha; White, Paul; Diedrichs, Phillippa C.

Abstract

This pilot study evaluated the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a culturally adapted school-based body image intervention, Dove Confident Me, for use in urban India. Two private schools in New Delhi were randomly assigned at the school level to receive either the five-session intervention facilitated by trained psychologists or lessons-as-usual (control). Participants were Year 7 students (N = 166; M age = 11.9 years). Students, facilitators, and observing teachers, provided acceptability feedback. Fidelity was assessed. Body image and related measures were completed by students in a classroom setting at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and two-month follow-up. Most students enjoyed (73.7 %) and understood (84.2 %) the intervention. Facilitators (90 %) and observing teachers (70 %) reported that the learning objectives were achieved. Adherence and facilitator competence were rated as very good. Body esteem improved significantly among intervention students at post-intervention and follow-up (Cohen's ds = .45–.46), relative to control students. Positive affect also improved at post-intervention (d = .58). No significant effects on internalisation, life engagement, eating pathology, self-esteem, or negative affect emerged. This study provides evidence for the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of Dove Confident Me in urban India. Intervention refinements to increase acceptability and efficacy are recommended. age

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 25, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Apr 1, 2021
• Publication Date: Jun 1, 2021
• Deposit Date: Mar 18, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 2, 2022
• Journal: Body Image
• Print ISSN: 1740-1445
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 37
• Pages: 282-290
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.02.011
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/7150130