Pre-post Experimental Design Research Articles

Improving the Effectiveness of a Stock Simulation Trading Course via Blockchain and Social Networking: A Taiwanese Study

Online courses in higher education became prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, their application requires technology to be fully integrated into the curriculum. This study explores the integration of a blockchain-based platform in a private online stock simulation trading course during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a pre–post experimental design with 142 college students, it assessed learning behaviors and outcomes. Students collaborated with teaching assistants via LINE groups, fostering discussion and engagement. They received cryptocurrency rewards, which enhanced motivation and connected the course to their career goals. The findings suggest that combining blockchain and social networking is an effective approach to improving online education. This contributes to the literature on educational technology and online learning by exploring the integration of blockchain and social networking in higher education, specifically within the context of stock simulation trading courses, and demonstrates its impact on student motivation and learning outcomes.

Assessing the Effectiveness of an mHealth Intervention to Support Men Who Have Sex With Men Engaging in Chemsex (Budd): Single-Case and Pre-Post Experimental Design Study.

This study focuses on the Budd app, a mobile health intervention designed for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men who participate in chemsex. Chemsex, the use of psychoactive drugs in a sexual context, presents substantial health risks including increased HIV transmission and mental health issues. Addressing these risks requires innovative interventions tailored to the unique needs of this population. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Budd app in promoting drug harm reduction practices among its users, focusing on knowledge, behavioral intention, risk behavior awareness, and self-efficacy. The study used a mixed methods approach, combining a single-case experimental design and a pre-post study. A total of 10 participants from an outpatient clinic were recruited, and each attended the clinic 3 times. During the first visit, participants installed a restricted version of the Budd app, which allowed them to report daily mood and risk behavior after chemsex sessions. Phase A (baseline) lasted at least 2 weeks depending on chemsex participation. In the second visit, participants gained full access to the Budd app, initiating phase B (intervention). Phase B lasted at least 6 weeks, depending on chemsex participation, with identical data input as phase A. Participants completed pre- and postintervention surveys assessing behavioral determinants during the first and third visit. The study observed an increased knowledge about chemsex substances postintervention, with a mean percentage improvement in knowledge scores of 20.59% (SD 13.3%) among participants. Behavioral intention and self-efficacy showed mixed results, with some participants improving while others experienced a decrease. There was also a variable impact on awareness of risk behavior, with half of the participants reporting a decrease postintervention. Despite these mixed results, the app was generally well-received, with participants engaging with the app's features an average of 50 times during the study. The Budd app showed effectiveness in enhancing knowledge about chemsex substances among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. However, its impact on safe dosing behavior, behavioral intention, self-efficacy, and risk behavior awareness was inconsistent. These findings suggest that while educational interventions can increase knowledge, translating this into behavioral change is more complex and may require more participants, a longer follow-up period, and additional strategies and support mechanisms.

Video Edukasi Kesehatan Untuk Meningkatkan Pengetahuan First Aid Kejadian Luka Bakar

Burns are the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury-related death in children. The importance of knowledge that must be possessed by children in providing first aid for burn cases in children, can reduce disability and morbidity rates. The purpose of the service activity is to provide Video health education to school-age children at MI Muhammadiyah Waru Elementary School about the first handling of burns. The method of service is by using game-based learning in the form of oral presentation of material and animated videos about the first handling of burns. The data analysis method used in this service activity is PrePost-Experimental design, Participants in this activity are elementary school-age children MI held on November 11, 2023. The educational materials provided are the causes of burns, types of burns, management and prevention of burns. Then, the service team conducted education related to handling burns to respondents. The conclusion is that after this education is carried out, respondents can understand and know the reasons for handling burns should not be arbitrary because it can cause more severe infections.

Aerobic-exercise training effects on immunological markers in individuals on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy) in Uganda

There is critical relevance in understanding the multidisciplinary management of HIV/AIDs among individuals obtaining health services in Uganda. The purpose of the study was therefore to assess the effects of aerobic exercise training on immunological markers as a clinical outcome of Human Immunodeficiency Virus positive clients attending a chronic HIV clinic at a General Military Hospital-Bombo. A pre-post experimental design was used to understand differences between the experimental and control groups. Participants were Human Immunodeficiency Virus positive clients who had been on treatment that is, Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy for at least 12 months. They were randomly assigned to either a control group (Group 1): who did not participate in the aerobic exercise, or an experimental group (Group 2): where a 12-week moderate intensity aerobic exercise, for not less than 3 times a week, and for at least 45 minutes per session was administered. Both groups were assessed using a physical activity readiness questionnaire. Thereafter, assessment of the clinical outcomes that is, immunological measures using Clusters of differentiation 4 were assessed. While the experimental group participated in the exercise, the control group members were followed up during the 12 weeks to ensure that they remained in the study. After the12 weeks post-test was done. The findings of this study revealed that aerobic exercises significantly increased Clusters of differentiation 4 count in both males and females by 29.7% on average (p

The Effect of Art Therapy in Reduction anxiety by creating Pre-Drawn Mendala, Mandala with Zentangle, Unstructured Mandala and Free Form Mandala

Art therapy is fluctuating, and many more techniques of art therapy are being introduced in the field of interventions for many psychological issues. Likewise, the mandala art therapy technique is worldwide appreciated for reducing anxiety and negative self-talk. Most of the authentic research work on mandala art therapy supports that mandala techniques produced meditative effect on participants which let them to calm and relax their mind and body resulting in reduced psychological issue. The goal of this investigation was to develop effective intervention Art Therapy that reduces anxiety, negative self-talk and enhancing mindfulness among Pakistani young adults (M =17.36, SD =.52) of Pakistan. Sixty participants were divided into four groups. The present study is quantitative. On random sampling Pre-Post experimental research design was used wherein pre and post assessments were conducted. Participants included college students from private and public institutions. Responses were collected on state trait anxiety inventory, mindfulness and negative self-talk questionnaires. Analysis were conducted using SPSS 23. Results shown that the complexity and structure of mandala schemas described the participants into contemplative state that relaxed and helped them to forget their daily life issues and helped them reducing anxiety and negative thoughts about them.

Enhancing Athletes' Foot Stability: A Comparative Analysis of Gluteus Maximus and Gluteus Medius Muscle Strengthening Effects on Navicular Drop, Balance, and Foot Posture Index in Over-Pronated Foot

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of gluteus maximus versus gluteus medius muscle strengthening exercises on the navicular drop (ND), balance, and foot posture index (FPI 6) among athletes with over-pronated feet. A pre-post experimental study design with a total of 54 athletes with bilateral over-pronated feet were randomly assigned into group A (n=18), group B (n=18), and group C (n=18). Medial longitudinal arch height (MLA) was assessed with the Navicular Drop Test, the static and dynamic balance was determined with the stork stance test (SST) and modified Star Excursion Balance Test, and Foot Posture was assessed with Foot Posture Index 6. Multivariate Repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the effects of gluteus maximus versus gluteus medius muscle strengthening and short foot exercises. At four weeks, the gluteus medius along with short foot exercises (group B) showed significantly less ND and FPI 6 while showing more excellent SST and modified SEBT than the gluteus maximus muscle strengthening along with short foot exercises (group A) and control group (group C). These results suggest that adding gluteus medius muscle strengthening exercises to short foot exercises (SFE) was more effective in supporting the medial longitudinal arch and improving balance than performing SFE alone.

The Effectiveness of the "I Can Brush My Teeth" Movement and Song Program in Improving Tooth Brushing Knowledge in Children Aged 4-6

Children with good dental health can experience optimal physical, mental and social development, but in reality 9 out of 10 Indonesian children experience dental caries. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the "I Can Brush My Teeth" singing and dancing program to increase 4 – 6 years old children’s toothbruhing knowledge. This research uses quantitative research method with a within-subjects quasi experimental pre-post design to measure the effectiveness of intervention using movement and song methods delivered through music video clips as a medium for learning children's knowledge regarding the frequency, duration, schedule and benefits of good toothbrushing, as well as providing children with an understanding of the importance of parental involvement. Post test results showed a significant increase in the average children's knowledge score using the non-parametric Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test comparison technique with a P value of 0.002 with a significance limit of <0.05. One week after post-test1 another post-test was done (post-test 2), and the increase of toothbrushing knowledge persists significantly with a P value of 1.000 with a significance limit of <0.05. Based on the results of the data analysis above, it can be concluded that "I Can Brush My Teeth" singing and dancing program is considered effective in increasing the knowledge of children aged 4 - 6 years about good tooth brushing. Further research evaluating the effect of parental involvement using singing and dancing programs on the level of knowledge about good toothbrushing behavior in children aged 4 - 6 years is considered necessary.

The Effect of HIIT on Increasing VO2 Max in White Water Rafting Athletes

This research was carried out to find out the effect of training using the High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) model on increasing VO2 Max in white water rafting athletes. This research design is an experimental pre-post design. This research used 28 white water rafting athletes, consisting of 16 male athletes and 12 female athletes. The athlete's age range is 16-22 years. All research subjects were in healthy condition. All subjects were given the same treatment, namely training using the HIIT model. Intervention with HIIT cardio training. The HIIT training model uses an intensity of 90-100% of Maximal Heart Rate (MHR). HIIT is done with a ratio of 30 seconds of exercise then 3 minutes of rest. Exercise uses an intensity of 90% MHR in the first week and will be increased every week until it reaches 100% MHR. Exercises were carried out for 6 weeks with a frequency of 4x per week. VO2 Max measurements are carried out using a multistage test instrument. In this research, it can be seen that HIIT exercise carried out for 6 weeks with a frequency of 4 times per week can increase athletes' VO2 Max. There is a significant difference in VO2 Max between male and female athletes with a difference test result of P < 0.05. Exercise using the HIIT model which is carried out for 6 weeks with a frequency of 4x a week can increase the VO2 Max of white water rafting athletes. HIIT training can be used as a recommendation to increase VO2 Max for white water rafting athletes.

An Action Research to Enhance Students’ Classroom Engagement through Group Tasks among 8th Graders

This study investigated the effect of employing group tasks to improve student engagement in a classroom at the level of Grade VIII. Engaging students in the learning process presents a significant challenge for educators. This study examined how several group tasks affect student engagement in Grade 8th (A). The study incorporated a single-group pre-post experimental quantitative design; quantitative data was collected over ten weeks. Quantitative data encompassed the observation rating scale. The sample was based on 40 students who were selected through purposive technique from Government Boys High School Bagrian, Lahore. Descriptive and inferential data analysis techniques were used. Findings suggested a strong link between the implementation of group tasks and increased student engagement. Students who participated in group tasks showed active involvement and deeper engagement in the learning process. The analysis revealed the positive effect of group tasks on student engagement within the one grade and classroom. This research contributed by highlighting the importance of group tasks in creating an effective learning environment through engagement for Grade 8th students. The implications extend beyond academic performance to include the holistic development of adolescents, nurturing both cognitive and social skills.

Abstract P448: Urban Trail Infrastructure and Physical Activity Levels: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Natural Experiments

Background: In response to climate change, cities across Canada are investing over $1B in new cycling infrastructure to support more active transportation. Little empirical evidence exists describing the effectiveness of adding protected cycling trails on changes in cycling or physical activity (PA) levels. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that areas with new infrastructure would experience increased PA and trail use by cyclists and pedestrians compared to areas without new infrastructure. Design and Methods: We searched CINAHL, EMBASE (Ovid), MEDLINE (Ovid), SPORTDiscus, TRD/Transportation Research Information Services (TRIS), Web of Science and Google Scholar for articles published from 2010 to 2023. We included studies with an experimental pre-post design that reported a PA outcome or trail counts for an intervention and control area. The interventions were limited to protected and/or separated bike lanes, including cycle tracks, multi-use trails, greenways, and bike lanes with concrete barriers. Our primary outcomes were individual level physical activity (PA) and trail use counts (cyclists and pedestrians). A modified risk of bias tool will be employed to assess the methodological quality of each selected study. We followed PRISMA reporting guidelines and the review was pre-registered with Prospero (CRD42023438891) Results: Three independent reviewers screened abstracts from 3936 articles, of which 58 were included in a full text review. After resolving conflicts, 28 articles describing natural experiments of new cycling infrastructure met eligibility criteria were included for data extraction. We extracted data for population characteristics in both intervention and control areas, such as socioeconomic status, mean age, race, and the percentage of females, as well as outcomes related to physical activity. 1/28 papers used accelerometer data, 12/28 used survey data, 3/28 used eco counter data, 2/28 used manual counters. Of the 15 studies that reported it, sample size ranged from 70 to 21,488. Due to high variance in data reporting style, not all studies could be meta-analyzed. We found a high risk of bias for all natural experiments studies and very few adhered to TREND reporting guidelines for quasi-experimental studies. Conclusions: Changes in built environment preliminarily appear to increase cycling and pedestrian counts. Reporting style varies too greatly across research studies for an effective meta-analysis. As a scientific community, we need to work together to follow reporting standards.

Enhancing Maternal Health: IT Solutions for Monitoring Anemia in Pregnancy

Background: Anemia is a condition in which a deficiencyof red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the blood cycle or mass of hemoglobin is so unable to fulfill its function as a carrier of oxygen in the entire tissue. Handling to increase hemoglobin levels by using pharmacological and non-pharmacological management, one of the non-pharmacological management is by giving vitamin C so that the process of absorption and formation of hemoglobin is faster such as consuming red guava juice every day 2 x 1 together with Fe. the study was to determine the effect of giving Fe tablets and red guava juice on increasing hemoglobin levels in third trimester pregnant women. This pre-post experimental research design uses a design pretest-posttest whit control group design. The sampel in this study 36 respondents consisting of 18 experimental respondents and 18 control respondents with purposive sampling technique. The research instrument used the measuremets tool HB Family Dr. Test Strip and observation for 2 weeks. Data were analyzed using paired t-test to determine changes before and after and independent T-Test to determine the difference between the experimental group and the control group. The results of the pre-post study in the experimental group were p values of 0,000(p <0.05) and in the control group were 0.01(p <0,05). The results of the pre-post study in the experimental and control group p value 0,000. There is an effect of giving red guava juice and Fe tablets to increase hemoglobin levels of pregnant women in the third trimester who have mild anemia. Therefore, it is hoped that PMB (Praktek Mandiri Midwives) can pay attention to the handling of anemia in pregnant women in Kedaung, Pamulang, Tangerang. South with outreach programs and supplementation such as giving red guava juice.

Effect of an Intervention Using Voice Recording of a Family Member on Patients Undergoing Mechanical Ventilator Weaning Process

This study aimed to determine the impact of an intervention using voice recording of family members on pain, anxiety, and agitation in patients undergoing weaning from mechanical ventilation. A randomized control pre-post experimental design was implemented to 53 participants, with 27 and 26 participants in the experimental and control groups, respectively. A 70-second voice recording of a family member, repeated three times at 10-minute intervals was used as an intervention for the experimental group. Meanwhile, participants in the control group used headset for 30 minutes. Structured instruments were utilized to measure pain, anxiety, agitation, and the weaning process. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test and the Mann-Whitney U test, or χ² test, were used for data analysis. The experimental group exhibited significant decrease in pain (Z = -3.53, p < .001), anxiety (t = 5.45, p < .001), and agitation (Z = -2.99, p = .003) scores compared with those of the control group. However, there was no significant difference between groups in the weaning process' simplification (χ² = 0.63, p = .727). Intervention using family members' voice recording effectively reduces pain, anxiety, and agitation in patients undergoing weaning from mechanical ventilation. This can be actively utilized to provide a more comfortable process for patients.

국내 무용동작치료 효과에 대한 메타분석

This study conducted a meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of dance movement therapy programs in South Korea. We selected 58 studies from 2005 to January 2022 that met specific criteria, such as degree theses and pre-post experimental design. The overall effect size, calculated using a random-effects model, was found to be substantial at 1.43. We found that the programs targeting males and older adults had the highest effect size, those explicitly incorporating a theoretical approach showed better results, and there were no significant differences based on dependent variables. Additionally, programs with 16 to 20 participants, 10 to 14 sessions, and session durations of 60 to 90 minutes demonstrated the most significant effect sizes. This research provides valuable insights into the development and operation of dance movement therapy programs in South Korea.

국내 무용동작치료 효과에 대한 메타분석

This study conducted a meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of dance movement therapy programs in South Korea. We selected 58 studies from 2005 to January 2022 that met specific criteria, such as degree theses and pre-post experimental design. The overall effect size, calculated using a random-effects model, was found to be substantial at 1.43. We found that the programs targeting males and older adults had the highest effect size, those explicitly incorporating a theoretical approach showed better results, and there were no significant differences based on dependent variables. Additionally, programs with 16 to 20 participants, 10 to 14 sessions, and session durations of 60 to 90 minutes demonstrated the most significant effect sizes. This research provides valuable insights into the development and operation of dance movement therapy programs in South Korea.

MEMORY IMPROVEMENT IN THE ELDERLY THROUGH GHUNNAH THERAPY

The vibrations produced by reading ghunnah have a favorable influence on a person's cognitive function, specifically in the form of memory strengthening or improvement in order to prevent senile dementia. The ability of tajweed Ghunnah is thought to have a good impact on memory. Furthermore, this capacity can help to prevent senility, which is a typical problem among the elderly. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of ghunnah therapy on memory. The quantitative approaches utilized in this investigation were combined with a pre-post experimental design. The Reading Span Test method was used to assess respondents' memory before and after ghunnah therapy. The goal was to demonstrate that Ghunnah's intervention variable was the only one that had an effect on memory improvement. The findings revealed that respondents' memory scores improved before and after ghunnah therapy. As a result, it is possible to conclude that ghunnah therapy has a substantial association with memory.

The effects of relaxation techniques following acute, high intensity football training on parasympathetic reactivation

BackgroundEvidence shows relaxation techniques reactivate the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) following physiological stressors such as exercise. As such, these techniques may be useful following exercise training of high intensity sports, like collegiate football.PurposeTo evaluate the impact of mindfulness and rest activities on PNS reactivation following training sessions, in a sample of Division-I collegiate, male football athletes.MethodsThis study employed a cross-sectional, pre-post experimental design among 38 football athletes. Following three training sessions, each separated by one week, athletes were exposed to three groups: mindfulness, rest, and no-intervention. Athletes in the mindfulness group laid supine in a darkened room, while performing 15 min of guided breathing and body scans. The rest group remained seated in a lighted room, performing 15 min of restful activities (e.g., talking). The no-intervention group was instructed to perform usual post-training activities (e.g., showering). Heart rate (HR), respiration rate (RR) and two HR variability (HRV) indices were measured via an armband monitor (Warfighter Monitor, Tiger Tech Solutions, Inc, Miami, FL) equipped with electrocardiographic and photoplethysmography capabilities. HRV indices included standard deviation of the N-N intervals (SDNN) and root mean square of successive RR interval differences (rMSSD). Within and between-group differences were determined via analysis of variance (ANOVA) and corrected for multiple comparisons familywise error.ResultsStatistically significant reductions in HR and RR were observed across all groups: −81.6, −66.4, −40.9 bpm and −31.7, −26.9, and −19.0 breaths⋅min−1, respectively. The mindfulness and rest groups exhibited a larger within-group reduction in HR and RR compared to the no-intervention group, p &amp;lt; 0.0000. Additionally, the mindfulness group showed a larger reduction in HR and RR compared to the rest group, p &amp;lt; 0.05. Post-intervention HR and RRs were significantly lower in the mindfulness group relative to the no-intervention group (77.0 vs. 120.1 bpm, respectively). Similar results were observed for RR (15.0 vs. 23.6 breaths⋅min−1, respectively) and HRV indices (SDNN: 46.9 vs. 33.1 ms and rMSSD: 17.9 vs. 13.8 ms, respectively) Athletes in the rest group showed significantly lower post-intervention HR (−30.2 bpm, 89.9 vs. 120.1 bpm, respectively), RR (−4.3 breaths⋅min−1, 19.3 vs. 23.6 breaths⋅min−1, respectively) and significantly higher HRV (SDNN: 42.9 vs. 33.1 ms and rMSSD: 16.7 vs. 13.8 ms, respectively) compared to their no-intervention counterparts.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that athletes engaging in either 15-minute guided mindfulness or rest activities (e.g., sitting) post training, may facilitate PNS reactivation. Implementing these strategies may accelerate recovery, improving performance. Longitudinal, randomized controlled trials among diverse sports are encouraged.

Indicators of surgical stress and influence of clinical experience, simulation models, and cadaveric laboratory on the stress response of third-year veterinary students performing first elective surgery.

To evaluate the role of simulation models and previous surgical experience on subjective and objective stress levels of students performing their 1st elective surgery within the veterinary curriculum. 141 third-year veterinary students. Using a pre-post experimental design, salivary alpha-amylase, and cortisol were evaluated as markers of physiologic stress response before students' first elective surgery. Student self-reported State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores and quantitative measures of experience were correlated to biomarker results. No association was found for change in salivary biomarkers of stress, alpha-amylase, and cortisol, between baseline and presurgical samples accounting for gender, age, type of elective surgery performed, previous surgical experience, or simulation model use. Salivary cortisol levels were markedly elevated falling between the 66th and 99th percentile compared to an age and gender-matched population. Salivary alpha-amylase levels were also 2 to 3 times higher than those recorded by other health professionals. Veterinary student STAI scores were high falling between the 65th and 73rd percentile compared to working adults in the general population. Veterinary students' salivary cortisol, alpha-amylase, and STAI scores fell into the upper 2/3rds of the general population, demonstrating a high level of stress. Simulation models and previous surgical experience were not associated with decreased stress. Further evaluation of the implementation of high-fidelity simulation models and the role of stress on performance is indicated.

Impact of a pre-test measurement of alcohol craving in cue-exposure studies: Relationship with social desirability and demand effects

Craving is one of the most studied concepts in the field of addiction. It is often investigated with repeated-measure experimental designs using self-reported scales. However, the explicit nature of self-reported craving scales may make them vulnerable to social desirability and demand effects. The aim of the present study was to test whether a pre-experimental measurement of craving affects its post-experimental assessment after an alcohol video exposure and whether these changes relate to social desirability, demand effects, and alcohol consumption. Seventy-five healthy volunteers aged 18–30 years were randomly assigned to two experimental groups: a pre-post and a post-only craving assessment group. They were invited to watch an alcohol-related video. Social desirability, demand effects, engagement toward the video, and severity of alcohol consumption were assessed in all participants. The results showed a significant effect of alcohol consumption (p < .001, η2p = .09) on post-experimental craving. The main effect of the repeated measure of craving was also significant (p = .04, η2p = .001), together with the interaction between these two variables (p = .03, η2p = .06). The pre-experimental craving measurement increased its post-experimental levels, but only in heavy drinkers. However, no evidence was found that these changes were related to social desirability or demand effects. Additional exploratory analyses indicated that craving increase in high alcohol drinkers was mediated by a stronger engagement toward the alcohol-related video.In summary, the repeated measurement of craving with explicit scales has a significant impact on the results of alcohol craving studies and may not always be desirable, especially when the true purpose of the study needs to be hidden from the participants. However, the present results also suggest that the pre-post experimental design is advisable when the experimenters seek to maximize the relationship between the individual levels of alcohol consumption and alcohol cue-exposure craving changes.

Effect of rapid serial visual presentation technology (RSVP) in the form of subtitles on enhancing EFL learners' online reading speed, motivation and attitudes

The current study aimed at enhancing online reading speed and motivation of EFL learners through subtitled series as RSVP. For this purpose, 90 learners were divided into three groups: two experimental groups and one control. The study follows a pre-post experimental mixed-method design. The results were statistically analyzed by using the one-way analysis of variance to compare the mean scores of the reading speed post tests among groups and the t-test to compare the mean scores of the pre-post reading speed tests. To test online reading motivation, a 38 item questionnaire was prepared. Results revealed no significant differences between the two experimental groups on online reading speed tests and online reading motivation. However, there were significant differences between the pre and post online reading speed tests. A qualitative analysis was used to analyze learners' attitudes toward using subtitled movies to enhance their online reading speed and motivation. Results showed that majority of students had positive attitudes toward subtitled movies. Accordingly, discussion and interpretation of these results were provided.

Body Dissatisfaction and Body-Related Attentional Bias: Is There a Causal Relationship?

Previous research has shown an association between body dissatisfaction and attentional biases toward the body, but the nature of this relationship is not clear. It is possible that dissatisfaction causes attentional bias or that dissatisfaction is a result of such bias. To clarify the causal relationship between these two variables, this study manipulated dissatisfaction in a sample of healthy women by exposing them to images of "ideal" bodies and observed whether this manipulation increased attentional biases toward different body parts. Fifty-seven women took part in a pre-post experimental design in which they observed an avatar representing themselves in a virtual mirror before and after being exposed to "thin ideal" photographs. Eye-tracking technology was employed to quantify the frequency and duration of fixations on weight-related and weight-unrelated body parts. The outcomes revealed a successful induction of body dissatisfaction, leading participants to display a heightened number of fixations and prolonged fixation durations on unrelated-weight body parts. These findings remained significant after controlling for the effects of trait body dissatisfaction and body mass index. The results imply that heightened body dissatisfaction fosters the aversion of attention from weight-related body parts, which may function as a protective mechanism for preserving self-esteem and promoting psychological well-being.