Abstract
Body dissatisfaction is common in adolescence and associated with poor outcomes. The aim of this mixed method pilot evaluation was to determine acceptability, feasibility and preliminary efficacy of Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Body Image (IPT-BI), a school-based group intervention for young people with high levels of body dissatisfaction. Eighteen participants (11–13 years, 78% female) took part in two IPT-BI groups (n = 10; n = 8). Feasibility was measured by recruitment and attrition rates; acceptability using a treatment satisfaction questionnaire and focus groups; and clinical outcomes at baseline, each session and post intervention. The majority of young people (72%, n = 18/25) who were referred or expressed interest went on to take part. Average session attendance was 100% and 89%. Participants expressed high levels of treatment satisfaction with 94% (n = 16/17) rating IPT-BI as ‘quite helpful’ or ‘very helpful’ and 94% (n = 16/17) stating they would recommend it to others. Preliminary exploration of efficacy showed significant improvements in body image and significant reductions in interpersonal difficulties and appearance-based conversations. Young people valued specific IPT-BI skills (role play, communication strategies), alongside generic therapeutic factors (therapeutic alliance, group cohesion). IPT-BI is feasible and acceptable with promising provisional clinical outcomes indicating the need for a fully powered randomised controlled trial.
Highlights
We explored weekly change in body image using mixed effects models, with a random intercept included for participant
The recruitment strategy was successful, with only one young person who undertook baseline assessment deemed to be ineligible, and no young people meeting criteria for an eating disorder. This supports the use of this pragmatic recruitment strategy within a school environment, some young people may be missed without a formal population screening
The most efficient recruitment approaches can be explored further when Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Body Image (IPT-BI) is implemented on a larger scale
Summary
Mixed methods pilot evaluation of interpersonal psychotherapy for body image for adolescents. Article reuse guidelines: sagepub.com/journals-permissions httpDs:O//dIo: i1.o0r.g1/1107.171/1773/519315901405425029096633337711 journals.sagepub.com/home/ccp. Fiona Duffy1,2 , Helen Sharpe, Emily Beveridge, Kate Osborne and Cathy Richards
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