More than my appearance: a pilot evaluation of the expand your Horizon Online functionality-based writing programme for adults with visible differences

• Published in: Health psychology & behavioral medicine Vol. 12; no. 1; p. 2349004
• Main Authors: Guest, Ella, Halliwell, Emma, Mathews, Abbi, Alleva, Jessica, Harcourt, Diana
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis Group 2024
• Subjects: Body functionality; online intervention; positive body image; visible difference; writing intervention; Body functionality; visible difference; online intervention; positive body image; writing intervention
• ISSN: 2164-2850; 2164-2850
• DOI: 10.1080/21642850.2024.2349004

Adults with conditions that affect their appearance, known as visible differences, can experience appearance concerns, social anxiety, and depression. Interventions have been developed for this population to facilitate adjustment and coping skills; however, they have limited evidence of efficacy. The Expand Your Horizon [Alleva, J. M., Martijn, C., Van Breukelen, G. J., Jansen, A., & Karos, K. (2015). Expand Your Horizon: A programme that improves body image and reduces self-objectification by training women to focus on body functionality. 15, 81-89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2015.07.001] online functionality-based writing programme was adapted for adults with visible differences. A pilot randomised controlled trial with a wait-list control group was carried out to assess preliminary intervention efficacy and gain information about the acceptability and feasibility of the programme. Forty-four adults aged 21-63 years (  = 40.21;  = 12.05) with visible differences took part. Various facets of body image (i.e. functionality appreciation and body appreciation) as well as depression and anxiety were assessed immediately pre- and post-intervention and at three-months. Participants reported enjoying the programme, felt that the format was acceptable, and it significantly increased functionality appreciation, which was maintained at three-months. However, there were no improvements in body appreciation, depression, and anxiety. In future, a full trial should be carried out with an active control group.