Addressing Body Image Concerns in Young Women: Evaluating a Psychoeducational Intervention

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a tailor-made psychoeducation program to address irrational body image and unhealthy eating behaviors among female undergraduate students aged 18-21 years. This research employed a quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-test assessments. Sixty-one participants were divided into an intervention group (n=30) and a control group (n=31). The intervention group was exposed to videos depicting unhealthy weight loss behaviors and their consequences, whereas the control group received no intervention. The measures used included the Multidimensional Body Self-Relations Questionnaire and Eating Disorder Inventory-3. Paired-sample t-tests revealed significant differences in body image variables between the pre- and post-test conditions for the intervention group (Cohen’s D>1), while no significant differences were observed in the control group. Independent-samples t-tests showed that the samples from both groups were homogenous at baseline. The findings suggest that psychoeducation intervention led to improvements in body image and a reduction in the internalization of appearance ideals. These results are consistent with those of previous studies that have demonstrated the effectiveness of psychoeducational interventions in improving body image, satisfaction, and self-esteem. This study highlights the potential of tailor-made psychoeducation programs to address the irrational body image and unhealthy eating behaviors among young women. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of such interventions and their applicability in diverse populations.