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- Title
Enhancing self-esteem in adults with body dysmorphic symptoms: experimental testing and initial evaluation of a brief internet-based training.
- Authors
Bosbach, Katharina; Martin, Alexandra; Stricker, Johannes; Schoenenberg, Katrin
- Abstract
Background: Low self-esteem is an important factor associated with body dysmorphic concerns. In treatment, self-esteem cannot always be adequately addressed. Internet-based interventions offer a low-threshold and cost-efficient possibility for treating body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Aims: For this reason, we conducted two studies to explore the effectiveness of an internet-based intervention targeting improving self-esteem in adults with BDD symptoms. Method: The first study investigated the differential effects of a 1-week self-esteem training compared with a 1-week attention-focus training. Two hundred twenty adults with elevated body dysmorphic symptoms were randomly assigned to one of the two trainings. Our second study (n = 58 adults with body dysmorphic symptoms) evaluated an extended 2-week stand-alone self-esteem training. Results: In the first study, self-esteem in different domains (appearance, performance and social), self-focused attention, and BDD symptom severity improved in both groups. Other-focused attention only increased in the attention training group. Participants' overall adherence was high. In the second study we observed significant improvements in self-esteem, BDD symptom severity, and other secondary outcomes, with additional improvements in most outcomes in the second week. Adherence was again high. Conclusions: Together, these findings show that a brief internet-based intervention may be a highly accepted and effective way of improving self-esteem in people suffering from BDD symptoms.
- Subjects
ONLINE education; BODY dysmorphic disorder; SELF-esteem; ADULTS
- Publication
Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapy, 2024, Vol 52, Issue 3, p226
- ISSN
1352-4658
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1017/S1352465824000110