Psychological Prevention and Intervention Strategies for Body Dissatisfaction and Disordered Eating

Dear Colleagues,

Body dissatisfaction and disordered eating have increased worldwide over the last 30 years, and new phenomena pertaining to such psychological conditions are currently emerging. Even if body dissatisfaction and disordered eating are widespread phenomena, especially among adolescents and young adults, they have mostly been related to depressive symptoms, low self-esteem, decreased quality of life, eating disorders (EDs), and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). 

Given the strong impact that body dissatisfaction and disordered eating have on individual wellbeing and quality of life, as well as on societal costs, prevention efforts and intervention strategies targeting body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, and their specific and transdiagnostic risk factors are urgently needed. Simultaneously, efforts should be devoted to emphasizing and implementing protective factors for body image, with the aim of promoting a positive body image (i.e., body appreciation, body acceptance/love). At the same time, there is a need for prevention and intervention strategies that are cost-effective for the healthcare systems and easily accessible to people who are at high risk of developing body dissatisfaction and disordered eating (e.g., adolescents and young adults).

In this Special Issue, we are looking for high-quality research articles and reviews that focus on psychological prevention and intervention strategies for body dissatisfaction and disordered eating, especially those combining a high academic standard coupled with a practical focus on reducing body dissatisfaction and disordered eating and on promoting a positive body image. Research can target any group (e.g., general population, individuals at high-risk for body dissatisfaction/disordered eating, clinical population) and context (e.g., school, sport, and clinical context). Both quantitative and qualitative research papers as well as theoretical contributions are welcome. The keywords listed below provide an outline of some of the possible areas of interest.

Dr. Gioia Bottesi
Dr. Silvia Cerea
Guest Editors

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