BodiMojo: Efficacy of a Mobile-Based Intervention in Improving Body Image and Self-Compassion among Adolescents

J Youth Adolesc. 2018 Jul;47(7):1363-1372. doi: 10.1007/s10964-017-0804-3. Epub 2018 Jan 18.

Abstract

Mobile interventions promoting positive body image are lacking. This study presents a randomized controlled evaluation of BodiMojo, a mobile application (app) intervention grounded in self-compassion to promote positive body image. A sample of 274 adolescents, mean (SD) age = 18.36 (1.34) years, 74% female, were allocated to a control group or used BodiMojo for 6 weeks. Appearance esteem, body image flexibility, appearance comparison, mood, and self-compassion were assessed at baseline, 6, and 12 weeks. Significant time by group interactions emerged for appearance esteem and self-compassion, with appearance esteem and self-compassion increasing in the intervention relative to the control group. These findings provide preliminary support for BodiMojo, a cost-effective mobile app for positive body image.

Keywords: Adolescents; Body image; Mobile technology; Prevention; Self-compassion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / psychology*
  • Affect
  • Body Image / psychology*
  • Empathy
  • Female
  • Health Promotion / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Random Allocation
  • Self Concept*