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An App to Reduce Social Media's Impact on Body Image and Eating Disorders
Sponsor: Dalhousie University
Summary
Social media (SM) is a key communication tool, particularly for young women aged 15-29. While SM fosters social connections, it is also linked to negative effects on mental health, including poor body image, low self-esteem, and maladaptive perfectionism. These issues arise due to social comparison with idealized images, especially on platforms like Instagram, which can contribute to disordered eating behaviours. Research suggests that reducing SM use can improve mental well-being, body image, and eating disorder symptoms. However, current interventions have not simultaneously addressed both reducing SM exposure and strengthening protective psychological factors. To address this gap, the proposed study aims to pilot BodyScreen, an intervention app designed to limit SM exposure while enhancing self-esteem and reducing perfectionism in young women at high risk for eating disorders. The study hypothesizes that BodyScreen will be feasible, acceptable, and effective in improving body image, self-esteem, and SM use, with sustained benefits at a 3-month follow-up. The intervention includes a virtual face-to-face session, mid-intervention email support, and a four-week app-based program using Ecological Momentary Interventions (EMIs). Participants will receive reminders to complete exercises designed to improve self-perception and reduce the negative effects of SM. Additionally, Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) will track real-time self-esteem, perfectionism, and body image, while mobile sensing will monitor SM use to tailor interactive exercises accordingly. By integrating exposure reduction with psychological strengthening, BodyScreen aims to provide a novel, evidence-based approach to mitigating the harmful effects of SM on young women's mental health.
Official title: An App to Disrupt the Link Between Social Media and Negative Body Image And Disordered Eating: A Pilot Study Of Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy
Key Details
Gender
FEMALE
Age Range
15 Years - 29 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
50
Start Date
2025-07
Completion Date
2027-07
Last Updated
2025-04-04
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
BodyScreen App
The BodyScreen App uses behavioural interventions along with haptic interruptions in social media app usage. The app will engage participants by sending them notifications, reminders, and activities to complete throughout the day and the week.