A Systematic Review Exploring the Effectiveness of Body Image Interventions Among Boys

Abstract

Body image concerns significantly impact boys’ physical and mental health. While several reviews synthesize evidence on body image interventions for mixed-gender adolescents, a systematic review exclusively focusing on boys is currently missing. Thus, this systematic review synthesizes evidence on universal psychosocial interventions targeting body image among boys and identifies effective approaches for enhancing their body image. Searches were conducted across seven databases until February 2024. Forty-one studies were included and assessed for quality across domains such as selection bias, study design, and methods. Three studies exclusively targeted boys, while 38 involved mixed-gender groups. Multiple therapeutic approaches were used across the interventions, including media literacy, socio-cognitive approaches, combined cognitive dissonance and media literacy, positive body image, compassion and mindfulness, and other approaches, with no single approach proving universally effective. Some promise for interventions employing positive body image and embodiment techniques was noted. Few interventions showed effectiveness on boys’ body image but most benefited girls. Further, findings were inconsistent across outcomes, with lower-quality studies driving evidence of effectiveness. These findings highlight that the effectiveness of current body image interventions among boys is inconclusive, emphasizing the urgent need for improvement or development of new interventions tailored specifically to address boys’ body image concerns.