Evaluating Body Acceptance Programs for Young Men

While eating disorders in males are often overlooked, up to 7 million men in the United States will experience an Eating Disorder in their lifetime. Critically, men are less likely to seek treatment for an Eating Disorder compared to females. Therefore, prevention programs that target male-specific Eating Disorder risk factors prior to the development of an eating or appearance-related disorder are crucial in reducing eating disorders in this population. Preliminary work by our group established the initial efficacy of a novel program, the Body Project: More than Muscles (MTM) compared to assessment-only control. This study will replicate and extend this research by comparing MTM to a time and attention-matched control used in previous eating disorder prevention work, media advocacy (MA).

Although often overlooked, Eating Disorders in men are a serious and deadly public health problem, affecting up to 7 million men in the United States. Efficacious, promulgated Eating Disorder treatments largely remain unknown, particularly for males. Over recent decades, men have faced increasing social pressures to obtain an unrealistically lean and muscular physique, which have contributed to body dissatisfaction and unhealthy eating and weight control behaviors among men, including symptoms of both Eating Disorders and muscle dysmorphia (body image disturbance characterized by the unhealthy pursuit of muscularity. Despite the impairment and distress associated with these conditions, males are less likely to seek treatment than females, in part due to stigma. Importantly, for those men who do seek help, existing treatments are targeted mostly towards females, rarely address male-specific risk factors, and are ineffective for over 50% of patients. Thus, well-accepted, easily replicable preventative programs that target male-specific Eating Disorder risk factors prior to disorder onset are critical to reduce the public health burden and disparities associated with eating disorders in men. Research supports that for men, pressures from media, friends, partners, and family to pursue a lean, muscular body can lead to body-ideal internalization -- the belief that one's self-worth and value are defined by physical appearance. This can lead to dissatisfaction with muscularity and body fat, which in turn, contributes to eating disorder and muscle dysmorphia-related attitudes and behaviors. Thus, targeting internalization of the lean, muscular ideal portrayed in media culture would be important for reducing both Eating Disorder and muscle dysmorphia symptoms for men. While studies have targeted body-ideal internalization in groups of women using dissonance-based interventions, until recently, no programs had been developed to address internalization of the lean, muscular body ideal for men. Our group recently developed and evaluated the Body Project: More than Muscles (MTM) in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to target eating disorder and muscle dysmorphia risk factors in body-dissatisfied men. Results demonstrated significantly greater decreases in body-ideal internalization, dietary restraint, drive for muscularity, bulimic symptoms (e.g., binge eating, self-induced vomiting, laxatives, fasting, and/or excessive exercise), and muscle dysmorphia symptoms for men in the MTM intervention compared to assessment-only controls, both pre- to post-intervention and at 1-month follow-up. Further, body-ideal internalization mediated intervention outcomes for bulimic and muscle dysmorphia symptoms, supporting that the intervention's effects were exerted through reducing internalization of lean, muscular ideal images portrayed in media. While initial results for MTM are promising, prior to disseminating this program to a wider audience, the present study will replicate and extend effects observed in the previous trial by comparing the intervention to a time- and attention-matched media advocacy (MA) active control condition used in previous Eating Disorder prevention programs. The present study will also explore the impact of MTM on additional risk factors for Eating Disorders and muscle dysmorphia in men not explicitly included in the previous RCT including unhealthy exercise, self- and other-objectification, appearance- and performance-enhancing drug (APED) use, and overall levels of depression, stress, and anxiety. Results from the present study will provide critical support to help translate research on Eating Disorders and muscle dysmorphia in men into evidence-based prevention of these problems. MTM represents a novel approach to eating disorder prevention in this underserved population. This intervention has potential for wide dissemination, as peer-led interventions in women have demonstrated comparable impact to professional-led interventions. Further, if effects for MTM replicate, future research could adapt online or web-based versions of the program to help disseminate this program to a wider audience of men across the country. Thus, if results support the intervention's efficacy, this could lead to the expanded delivery of the intervention into university-based or online effectiveness trials to help prevent Eating Disorders and reduce body dissatisfaction for men at a national level.

Participants will briefly be screened for eligibility criteria by phone. Eligible participants will be assessed using two structured clinical interviews (SCID-5 & EPSI-CRV) and complete a set of self-report measures at baseline. Following assessment participants will be randomized into one of two groups. One group will receive a dissonance-based intervention known as the More than Muscles (MTM), while other participants will engage in a Media Advocacy (MA) active control. Participants will complete the same set of self-report measures from baseline, after their final group, at 1-month follow-up and at 6-month follow-up. During the 6-month follow-up participants will also be reassessed using the same structured clinical interviews at baseline.

Participants will remain unaware of what group they have been randomized to as both groups will be actively be participating in groups focused on male body image.

Participants assigned to this condition take place in a time and attention-matched active control where they discuss the role of media in promoting the body ideal.

Participants assigned to this condition take part in a two-session intervention based on dissonance theory which encourages them to challenge the body ideal.

In session 1, the primary activities are: 1) define the "ideal" body type for men in our culture, 2) discuss the origin and perpetration of the "ideal," 3) brainstorm the costs of pursuing the "ideal," 4) participate in a verbal challenge during which participants counter the "ideal" message, and (5) are asked to complete three "homework" assignments (i.e., a letter to an adolescent boy, a behavioral challenge, and a mirror exposure assignment). In session 2, the primary activities are: 1) reviewing homework, 2) engage in role-plays to counter/discourage pursuit of the "ideal," 3) discuss ways to challenge and avoid "negative body talk" statements, 4) list ways to resist the pressure to pursue this "ideal" both individually and as a group within the larger community (i.e., body activism), 5) discuss barriers to body activism and strategies to overcome those barriers, and 6) individually select an exit exercise to continue to actively challenge the appearance ideal.

MA content generally centers on acknowledging and discussing the role the media has on shaping body image ideals. Session 1: In session 1, similar to MTM, the primary activities will include: (1) describing the ideal body for men in our culture, (2) discussing how the media impacts this ideal, with a particular focus on advertising. Following this, participants will (3) watch a video on how the media influences body image among men, and the consequences of internalizing these messages. Session 2: In session 2, content will continue by further discussion of the video showed in session 1, with participants sharing their reactions. Next, the group discusses the attainability of the ideal as well as discusses other forms of media (e.g., social media) and how it impacts body image.

The EDE-Q is a 28-item measure scored on a 7-point rating scale with scores ranging from 0 to 168 (scores higher than 4 on individual questions are indicative of clinical levels). The EDE-Q is a transdiagnostic measure of Eating Disorder symptoms with high scores indicating elevated eating pathology.

change from baseline to immediately post-intervention, change from baseline to 1-month follow-up, and change from baseline to 6-month follow-up

The MDDI is a 13-item measure for muscle dysmorphia symptoms, which is a common feature of Eating Disorders in men. Items are scored 0 (never) to 4 (always) with higher scores indicating greater muscle dysmorphic symptoms. Scores on this measure range 0 to 52.

change from baseline to immediately post-intervention, change from baseline to 1-month follow-up, and change from baseline to 6-month follow-up

The EPSI-CRV is a semi-structured interview that assesses dimensional constructs of psychopathology associated with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5 Eating Disorders. The interview will take approximately 40 minutes to complete.

Change from baseline to 6-month follow-up related to dimensional changes in Eating Disorder-related psychopathology.

The SATAQ is a 30-item measure of westernized beauty standards represented in media. Items are rated 1 (definitely disagree) to 5 (definitely agree) with scores ranging from 30 to 150. Higher scores indicate greater endorsement of beauty ideals portrayed in the media.

change from baseline to immediately post-intervention, change from baseline to 1-month follow-up, and change from baseline to 6-month follow-up

The DMS is a 15-item measure of self-perceived muscularity. The measure utilizes a 6 point scale, (1) indicating always, and (6) denoting never. Lower scores indicate higher drive for muscularity. Scores range from 16 to 90 on the DMS.

change from baseline to immediately post-intervention, change from baseline to 1-month follow-up, and change from baseline to 6-month follow-up

The MBAS is a 29-item dimensional assessment of men's body attitudes. Items are scored from 1 (never) to 6 (always) with higher scores reflecting elevated negative body attitudes. Scores from this measure range from 29 to 174.

change from baseline to immediately post-intervention, change from baseline to 1-month follow-up, and change from baseline to 6-month follow-up

The SOQ is a 20-item measure of how individuals appraise attributes in reference to themselves and their partner. Half of the questions relate to personal attributes the other half relate to a potential partners. The measure requires participants to rank the ten questions related to their personal attributes from 0 (least impact) to 9 (highest impact) and repeat the procedure for a potential partner.

change from baseline to immediately post-intervention, change from baseline to 1-month follow-up, and change from baseline to 6-month follow-up

The OEQ is a 20-item measure of maladaptive exercise, a common feature in Eating Disorders. Responses are captured using a 4-point scale, 1 (never) to 4 (always), with higher scores indicating increased dysregulation relating to exercise. Scores range from 20 to 80 for this measure.

change from baseline to immediately post-intervention, change from baseline to 1-month follow-up, and change from baseline to 6-month follow-up

Appearance and Performance Enhancing Drug Use (APED; questions were derived from the Adolescents Training and Learning to Avoid Steroids [ATLAS] study)

APED use was measured using 8-items derived from the ATLAS study. Participants are asked to respond from 1 (strongly agree) to 7 (strongly disagree) on the first 5 questions. Higher scores indicate elevated risk for future steroid use. The final 3-items request participants indicate if they have used anabolic steroids in the past 3 months (yes or no); if they have used supplements to alter their physical appearance (yes or no); if they answered yes to using supplements to alter their physical appearance, they were asked to endorse what specific substance was used (e.g., protein powder, creatine, testosterone booster, and fat burners).

change from baseline to immediately post-intervention, change from baseline to 1-month follow-up, and change from baseline to 6-month follow-up

The DASS-21 is a 21-item measure that examines symptoms related to stress, anxiety, and depression. Participants are asked for respond on a scale from 0 (doesn't apply to me at all) to 3 (applies to me very much, or most of the time). Higher scores on the three sub-scales indicate elevated symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, or stress. Total scores range from 0 to 63. Each sub-scale is scored from 0 to 21.

change from baseline to immediately post-intervention, change from baseline to 1-month follow-up, and change from baseline to 6-month follow-up

The DERS-16 is a validated brief version of the original DERS (36-item measure). The brief version of the DERS, is a 16-item measure for dimensions of emotion dysregulation. Participants indicate how often each statement applies to them on a scale from 1 (almost never) to 5 (almost always). Scores for the measure range from 16 to 80, with higher scores indicating greater emotion regulation difficulty.

change from baseline to immediately post-intervention, change from baseline to 1-month follow-up, and change from baseline to 6-month follow-up

The AAQ-II is a 7-item measure of experiential avoidance and psychological flexibility. Participants use a 7-point scale ranging from 1 (never true) to 7 (always true) in response to each statement. Scores range from 7 to 49, with higher scores indicating greater psychological inflexibility and avoidance of emotional experiences.

change from baseline to immediately post-intervention, change from baseline to 1-month follow-up, and change from baseline to 6-month follow-up

Participants will respond to a 13-item measure of intervention acceptability for the MTM condition and MA condition. The first 10-items are scored on a 5 point scale, 1 indicating strongly disagree and 5 indicating strongly agree (higher score indicating higher acceptability). The last 3-items request participants provide written feedback about the intervention they participated in: which part of the program was most helpful? Which activity was the least helpful? Do you have any suggestions for improving the program? The last 3-items are not scored or included in the overall treatment acceptability score.

Inclusion Criteria: 18 to 30 years old Identify as male Endorse body image concerns Speak English and able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: Diagnosis of a DSM-5 eating disorder determined by SCID-5 Significant neuropsychiatric illness (e.g., dementia, untreated severe psychiatric illness determined by SCID-unmedicated bipolar disorder, psychosis, or active suicidal ideation) Older than 30 years old Younger than 18 years old

Principal Investigator will comply with data storage and sharing guidelines associated with her institutions best practices. Participant information will be de-identified in cases of sharing to maintain anonymity.

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