Randomized control trial of a single-session intervention targeting sociocultural pressures of body image in college sorority women

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a peer-led single-session intervention targeting the sociocultural pressures of body image. Participants: New members of 13 sororities at one university. Methods: Participants were randomized by sorority into the intervention (n = 207) or wait list control (n = 264). Online surveys were administered at baseline and one month to assess social determinants of body image, body image dissatisfaction (BID), and body appreciation. Multiple logistic and linear regression analyses compared changes over time between groups. Results: We observed significant improvements in overall sociocultural pressures of body image (p = .001) and the subscales of Norms (p < .001) and Perceived Norms (p = .009) of eating and exercise behaviors. Change in BID and body appreciation did not differ between groups. Conclusion: A one-hour peer-led community-level intervention can lead to positive changes in sociocultural pressures in new initiates to a sorority.

Keywords:

• Body image dissatisfaction
• peer-led intervention
• single-session intervention
• sociocultural pressures of body image
• sorority women
• undergraduate

Conflict of interest disclosure

Dr. Laura K. Barré M.D., R.D. was a consultant for The Body Positive and reviewed their online educational materials for facilitator training. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of the United States and received approval from the Institutional Review Board of Cornell University.

Data availability statement

Data available from the corresponding author upon request.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Alumni Association Grant.