Exploring the integration of thin-ideal internalization and self-objectification in the prevention of eating disorders

Analyses of thin-ideal internalization and self-objectification were conducted within the context of a cognitive dissonance based eating disorder prevention program implemented in an undergraduate sorority. Participants completed self-report assessments at baseline (n = 177), post-intervention (n = 169), 5-month (n = 159), and 1-year follow-up (n = 105). Cross-sectional path analysis indicated that thin-ideal internalization and self-objectification predict each other and both predict body dissatisfaction, which in turn, predicts eating disorder symptoms. A longitudinal examination conducted using hierarchical linear modeling indicated that participants showed significant reductions in thin-ideal internalization, self-objectification, body dissatisfaction, and eating disorder symptoms after participating in the prevention program. Reductions of symptoms were maintained 1-year post-intervention, with the exception of self-objectification, which was significantly reduced up to 5-months post-intervention. Collectively, results suggest that targeting both thin-ideal internalization and self-objectification simultaneously within eating disorder prevention programs could increase the reduction of eating disorder symptoms.

► We model the integration of thin-ideal internalization and self-objectification. ► We assess the effectiveness of a dissonance-based eating disorder prevention program. ► The prevention program produced reductions in eating disorder symptoms. ► Effect sizes were comparable to previous prevention programs. ► Targeting thin-ideal internalization and self-objectification may increase reductions.