A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Body Image Dissatisfaction and Weight Self-Stigma in Adults

Griffiths, Catrin; Williamson, Heidi; Zucchelli, Fabio; Paraskeva, Nicole; Moss, Tim

Abstract

© 2018, The Author(s). Body image dissatisfaction (BID) and weight self-stigma are prevalent and associated with physical and psychological ill-health. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is increasingly employed for both, yet little is known about its effectiveness. Searches of 12 databases identified six studies using online, face-to-face or self-help ACT interventions for BID or weight self-stigma, of varying duration and intensity. Their effectiveness and quality were evaluated. Two reported improved BID, three improved weight self-stigma, and one reported no impact on weight self-stigma. Methodological issues (small sample sizes, lack of allocation concealment, attention control and long-term follow up) impacted the validity of findings. Due to the small number of studies and poor study quality, the effectiveness of ACT for BID and weight self-stigma remains unclear. Nonetheless findings suggest psychological flexibility may facilitate reduction in BID and weight self-stigma and indicate that brief online as well as lengthy face-to-face delivery may be useful. Suggestions for further research are made.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 21, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Feb 21, 2018
• Publication Date: Dec 1, 2018
• Deposit Date: Mar 1, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 11, 2018
• Journal: Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy
• Print ISSN: 0022-0116
• Electronic ISSN: 1573-3564
• Publisher: Springer (part of Springer Nature)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 48
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 189-204
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-018-9384-0
• Keywords: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, ACT, body image, weight self-stigma, adults
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/855231
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-018-9384-0
• Additional Information: Additional Information : The final publication is available at Springer via https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-018-9384-0
• Contract Date: Mar 7, 2018