School-Based Body Image Programming: A Critical Literature Review

Carly J. Bennett, Tavis J. Glassman, Barbara Saltzman, Joseph A. Dake, Gerald R. Natal, Aaron J. Kruse-Diehr

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to summarize the literature on school-based programs that have been developed to address body image among adolescents. A literature review on this topic has not been conducted since 2013, warranting the need for an updated review since the proliferation of social media and other societal changes. Articles were included if they were published from 2011–2022; 2011 to 2022; described programs implemented in secondary schools in the United States or Canada; and included at least one measure of body image improvement, awareness, or knowledge in the program assessment. The article search involved identifying keywords and applying them to searches in specific databases, including Academic Search Complete, ERIC, MEDLINE, ProQuest Dissertations, PsycInfo, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The search parameters yielded eleven articles, which included studies with both co-ed and female-only samples. None included gender-inclusive curriculum or survey demographics. For most studies, researchers used small sample sizes, self-reported data, and single-site samples. Most included a measure on eating disorder risk in addition to one or more body image measures. Researchers should conduct future studies with larger and more diverse samples. Areas of need include implementing comprehensive programs in the school setting, promoting inclusivity to incorporate gender identity/fluidity, and using experimental research designs with longitudinal assessments.

Original languageEnglish
JournalPsychology in the Schools
DOIs
StateAccepted/In press - 2025

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Keywords

  • body image
  • eating disorders
  • school programs

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology

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