The effectiveness of randomized controlled psychosocial interventions on body image among nonclinical women: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Women are vulnerable to body image disturbances, prompting numerous interventions to improve their body image. However, a systematic review and meta-analysis of such interventions is lacking. This study reviewed interventions designed to enhance body image among nonclinical women and quantified their effectiveness. Seven English databases were searched up to 6 September 2024. Studies included were psychosocial, randomized controlled, high-quality according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale, and evaluating nonclinical women's body image as outcomes. Effect sizes on body image components were meta-analyzed; subgroup analyses and sensitivity tests were conducted to determine the sources of heterogeneity. Forty-eight high-quality studies with 7,182 participants (3,669 subjects and 3,513 controls) were included. Most interventions targeted body dissatisfaction (n = 36) and thin-ideal internalization (n = 34). Weight and shape concerns (n = 15), body satisfaction (n = 14), and behavioral avoidance (n = 10) were commonly measured. Interventions produced reductions in body dissatisfaction (d = -0.45), thin-ideal internalization (d = -0.59), weight and shape concerns (d = -1.08), and behavioral avoidance (d = -1.14), and improvements in body satisfaction (d = 0.42). The long-term effects were examined. High heterogeneity among studies was attributed to countries, scales, therapies, and delivery modes. Results supported that existing interventions effectively relieved body image disturbances in nonclinical women. Additionally, face-to-face interventions led by facilitators are needed to achieve greater improvements in body image.