Raising Confident Girls: A pragmatic school-based trial of a body image and parenting program for mothers of adolescent girls

Abstract

This study evaluated Raising Confident Girls (RCG), delivered to mothers of Year 8 students (mean age 12.8-years) who were receiving the classroom-based Dove Confident Me (DCM) program. RCG is an interactive, multi-session intervention designed to improve body image in mothers in order to enhance their capacity to parent and role model this to their daughters. A pragmatic non-randomised controlled trial involved delivery of the program to mothers (n = 69) over three, 2-hour seminars in evenings, compared with a comparison group (n = 51). The study took place at an independent all-girls secondary school in Australia. Multilevel mixed modelling analyses compared pre- and post-test scores on standardized scales. Mothers who participated in the program had significantly higher scores on primary outcome variables of body esteem and body appreciation compared to the comparison group at post-test. Further, participation significantly improved mother’s knowledge, confidence, and skills for parenting, and improved role modeling of positive body image. Mothers were well engaged, with low attrition rates, and rated the program highly. The RCG program was effective and engaging for mothers, offering deeper insight into improving parental engagement in body image interventions delivered within the school context.