Beyond Body Image: A Systematic Review of Classroom-Based Interventions Targeting Body Image of Adolescents

Abstract

Body image is especially relevant to the developmental period of adolescence, given the various physical and social changes that take place during this time. Though body dissatisfaction tends to be normative, especially among females, universal prevention programs have been established to intervene prior to body image concerns becoming severe and established. However, prevention efforts vary in their impact on body image. The current project systematically reviewed the literature on body image to determine how universal, classroom-based efforts impact adolescent body image and what program and participant elements help make programs successful. Findings are promising, demonstrating that interactive universal prevention programs can improve adolescents’ body image. However, program effects are generally small and short in duration. The Developmental Theory of Embodiment, which emphasizes body relations that extend beyond body image, is used to evaluate current programs and to guide recommendations for future interventions in an attempt to make these programs more effective.