Cognitive behavior therapy with and without size perception training for women with body image disturbance

Twenty-four normal weight women with disturbed body image, but without eating disorders, were randomly assigned to cognitive behavior therapy with or without training in accurate body size perception. Treatment was provided for six weeks in a small group format. Both treatments involved modification of distorted and negative thoughts about physical appearance and exposure to avoided situations which provoked negative body image. In addition, subjects in one treatment condition were provided with exercises to correct size and weight overestimation. At posttreatment and follow-up, subjects in the two treatment conditions showed equivalent improvements in size overestimation, body dissatisfaction, and behavioral avoidance of provocative situations. Treatment benefits also extended to more positive self-esteem and decreased psychological symptoms, dietary restraint, guilt and concern about eating, and binge-eating. Cognitive behavior therapy effectively improves body image disturbance in young women, but corrective feedback about size perception may be unnecessary.