Table 10 Internet-based chatrooms (with synchronous discussion groups) for children and adolescents (< 18 years)
Reference | Type of Study | Sample Size | Intervention | Outcomes | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Heinicke et al. [56] | RCT | Adolescent females self-identifying as having body image or eating problems n = 28 intervention n = 34 delayed treatment control | My Body, My Life: Body Image Program for Adolescent Girls: 6, 90-min weekly small group (4–8) synchronous sessions led by a therapist and manual based on cognitive-behavioural principles and psychoeducation; conducted online in a secured chatroom | BSQ-short form, BMI, BCS, DEBQ-R, EWLB, EDI-B, SATAQ-3, BDI-SF, qualitative evaluation (assessing thoughts on internet delivery mode, practicality, etc.) | Among intervention completers, clinically significant improvements in body dissatisfaction (BSQ-SF), disordered eating (DEBQ-R), and depression (BDI-SF) were observed at post-intervention and maintained at follow-up (2 and 6 months). Internet delivery was enthusiastically endorsed: 65% reported preferring to participate in a program delivered via internet; 15% would prefer face-to-face. 42.3% felt comfortable sharing with a group; 77% felt program markedly/moderately improved their body image |