Resistance to televised images of thinness: A psychoeducational intervention for body image dissatisfaction in females

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a psychoeducational intervention for body image and appearance satisfaction in young women. The experimental group received a psychoeducational intervention focused on body image and media, and the control group received a control program on dental care. Following their respective programs, each group was exposed to appearance focused television commercials for approximately ten minutes. Participants then completed posttest measures for weight dissatisfaction, appearance dissatisfaction, depression, anxiety, anger, appearance evaluation, appearance focus, and appearance anxiety. Results indicated the experimental group was significantly more satisfied with appearance than the control group. Although the data indicated the control group tended to have higher levels of depression, anxiety, and weight dissatisfaction, these effects did not reach a significant level. Future studies could include longer-term psychoeducational interventions, as well as follow-up tests to assess enduring change.