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Acceptance and Body Dissatisfaction: Examining the Efficacy of a Brief Acceptance Based Intervention for Body Dissatisfaction in College Women

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 March 2016

Susan E. Margolis  and
Susan M. Orsillo
Susan E. Margolis*
Affiliation:
Suffolk University, Boston, USA
Susan M. Orsillo
Affiliation:
Suffolk University, Boston, USA
*
Correspondence to Susan E. Margolis, Suffolk University, Department of Psychology, 8 Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108, USA. E-mail: semichelson@suffolk.edu
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Abstract

Background: Body dissatisfaction among college women is concerning given its high prevalence and associated negative consequences. While cognitive-behavioral approaches to reducing body dissatisfaction have considerable support, it may be beneficial to target the problematic relationship that some individuals have with their internal experiences. Aims: To examine the relative efficacy of an acceptance-based compared to a cognitive restructuring approach to targeting body dissatisfaction. Method: College women were randomly assigned to an acceptance (n = 21), cognitive restructuring (n = 21) or a neutral comparison condition (n = 24). Participants completed a body dissatisfaction challenge postintervention and their dissatisfaction, distress about body-related thoughts and emotions, and the extent they felt defined by their outward appearance were measured. Results: Both approaches provided a protective effect against decreases in body satisfaction and related feelings. Conclusion: Acceptance and CBT approaches to treating body dissatisfaction are worthy of future investigation.

Keywords

Acceptance-based behavior therapybody dissatisfaction in college womenbrief intervention
Type
Research Article
Information
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy , Volume 44 , Issue 4 , July 2016 , pp. 482 - 492
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 2016 

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