A randomised controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of the digital positive body image self-help intervention (BODYPOSI) in improving body image among postpartum women compared with a waitlist control
Postpartum body image
This randomized controlled interventional study includes two study arms: (1) an intervention group receiving immediate access to an online positive body image self-help program and (2) a waitlist control group receiving delayed access. The intervention consists of an internet-based self-help program designed to promote positive body image during the postpartum period. The program is delivered via a secure online platform. Participants create a personal account and complete 12 structured exercises over four weeks, with three exercises recommended per week. The exercises focus on fostering body appreciation, body functionality awareness, positive evaluation of postpartum body changes, and reduction of perceived societal pressure. Automated email reminders are sent (with participant consent) to encourage adherence to the program and completion of assessments. Participants randomized to the intervention group complete baseline assessments prior to beginning the program (T0), post-intervention assessments immediately after the four-week program (T1), and a follow-up assessment three months after completion of the intervention (T2). The total participation duration for this group is approximately four months. Participants randomized to the waitlist control group complete baseline assessments at enrolment (T0) and a second assessment four weeks later (T1), without receiving the intervention during this period. After completing the second assessment, they are offered access to the program. No three-month follow-up assessment is conducted for the control group during the main evaluation phase. Randomization is conducted automatically through the online platform after participants provide informed consent and complete baseline assessments. A computerized random allocation procedure assigns participants to either the intervention or waitlist control group in a 1:1 ratio.
1. Women aged 18 years or older. 2. Women in the postpartum period between 6 weeks and 12 months after childbirth. 3. Ability to understand study information and provide informed consent. 4. Ability to participate in an online study and complete questionnaires in Lithuanian. 5. Self-reported absence of diagnosed eating disorders. 6. Self-reported absence of medical conditions that could substantially affect body image perception.
1. Current or past diagnosis of an eating disorder (self-reported). 2. Current diagnosed medical or psychiatric conditions that may substantially affect body image perception (self-reported). 3. Withdrawal of informed consent at any stage of the study. 4. Inability to access or use the online intervention platform for technical reasons.