Evaluating Body Acceptance Programs for Young Men

MA content generally centers on acknowledging and discussing the role the media has on shaping body image ideals. Session 1: In session 1, similar to MTM, the primary activities will include: (1) describing the ideal body for men in our culture, (2) discussing how the media impacts this ideal, with a particular focus on advertising. Following this, participants will (3) watch a video on how the media influences body image among men, and the consequences of internalizing these messages. Session 2: In session 2, content will continue by further discussion of the video showed in session 1, with participants sharing their reactions. Next, the group discusses the attainability of the ideal as well as discusses other forms of media (e.g., social media) and how it impacts body image.

"In session 1, the primary activities are: 1) define the ideal body type for men in our culture, 2) discuss the origin and perpetration of the ideal, 3) brainstorm the costs of pursuing the ideal, 4) participate in a verbal challenge during which participants counter the ideal message, and (5) are asked to complete three homework assignments (i.e., a letter to an adolescent boy, a behavioral challenge, and a mirror exposure assignment). In session 2, the primary activities are: 1) reviewing homework, 2) engage in role-plays to counter/discourage pursuit of the ideal, 3) discuss ways to challenge and avoid negative body talk statements, 4) list ways to resist the pressure to pursue this ideal both individually and as a group within the larger community (i.e., body activism), 5) discuss barriers to body activism and strategies to overcome those barriers, and 6) individually select an exit exercise to continue to actively challenge the appearance ideal."