2 - (SYM 60) A Randomized-controlled Trial of a Digital Single-session Intervention for LGBTQ+ Youth with Body Image and Mood Concerns

Eating disorders (EDs) and depression impact youth at alarming rates, especially in LGBTQ+ populations. Outcomes worsen when these disorders are comorbid, yet most adolescents do not receive treatment. Digital interventions can help increase access to care. However, most existing digital tools require long-term engagement—a commitment that is rarely adhered to in the real-world—indicating the need for digital single-session interventions (SSIs). SSIs have the potential to spark sustainable change in shared risk factors for EDs and depression, such as body dissatisfaction. In the present randomized-controlled trial, we evaluate a digital SSI called Project Body Neutrality that is designed to alleviate body dissatisfaction in LGBTQ+ adolescents ages 13-17 with elevated body image and mood concerns, compared to a placebo control. As of March 2024, 146 participants (58.9% White, 86.3% assigned female at birth, 36.3% currently identify as a woman/girl) have completed baseline and post-intervention measures. Relative to control-group participants, those who received Project Body Neutrality reported significant differences in pre-SSI to post-SSI changes in state body dissatisfaction (p< .001), functionality appreciation (p< .001), and hopelessness (p=.004), with intervention participants experiencing greater improvements. Both groups experienced similar improvements in perceived agency (p=.075). Project Body Neutrality was rated as significantly more acceptable than the placebo control (p=.008). This preliminary evaluation supports the acceptability and efficacy of a digital SSI for LGBTQ+ adolescents with body image and mood concerns. By November 2024, data collection will be complete. This includes enrolling 50-100 more participants as well as distributing 3-month follow-up surveys. The follow-ups will assess the impact of Project Body Neutrality on longer-term ED and depression symptom outcomes. Proximal and long-term outcomes for the full sample will be included in the presentation, as well as additional exploratory measures, patterns of use, and qualitative feedback. Pending the full analysis, Project Body Neutrality may be identified as an evidence-based, easily scalable digital tool for supporting marginalized youth with overcoming EDs and depression. 

Pre-registration: https://osf.io/7ftq9