Mindfulness-based interventions for body image dissatisfaction among clinical population: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are well-validated interventions to enhance the favourable body image of individuals. Despite their wide application, the efficacy of MBIs in reducing body image dissatisfaction (BID) among various clinical populations remains unclear. This study aims to expand the literature on MBIs for BID and identify effective types of MBIs for reducing BID in diverse clinical populations for future research and practice.

Methods

A systematic search for studies published in English on the effectiveness of MBIs for BID among the clinical population was done on APA PsycNet, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases in August 2023. Of the 1962 articles initially identified, 17 were found eligible and evaluated based on the JBI checklist.

Results

Random effects meta-analyses on six MBIs revealed their effectiveness in reducing BID among the clinical population (SMD = −.59 and 95% CI = −1.03 to −.15, p = .009), with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) (SMD = −1.29, 95% CI = −2.06 to −.52, p = .001) and My Changed Body (MyCB) (SMD = −.24, 95% CI = −.46 to −.01, p = .04) reporting significant effect sizes. Among the patients with breast cancer, MyCB (SMD = −.24, 95% CI = −.46 to −.01, p = .04) showed a significant effect size.

Conclusions

MBIs appear to be promising interventions in reducing BID among the clinical population. However, findings should be considered cautiously due to the possible publication bias, high heterogeneity and fewer available studies.