Text Message Safety Behavior Fading for Appearance Concerns

Safety Behavior Fading Versus Unhealthy Behavior Fading for Appearance Concerns: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The current study aims to explore the efficacy of a text message based safety behavior fadinig intervention compared to an unhealthy behavior fading intervention for appearance concerns.

Description: Appearance-related safety behavior fading intervention procedures will follow methodology previously used in the Cougle Lab. The safety behavior fading intervention is designed to target a decrease or elimination of appearance-related safety behaviors.

Individuals randomly assigned to the safety behavior fading condition will receive instructions to decrease or eliminate their endorsed appearance-related safety behaviors. In addition, they will receive daily reminders via text message to decrease these behaviors, along with a safety behavior monitoring checklist in which the participant indicates the extent to which they decreased and/or eliminated each safety behavior over the previous day.

Individuals randomly assigned to the unhealthy behavior fading condition will receive instructions to decrease or eliminate unhealthy behaviors. They will also receive daily reminders via text message to decrease these behaviors, along with a safety behavior monitoring checklist in which the participant indicates the extent to which they decreased and/or eliminated each safety behavior over the previous day.

Inclusion Criteria:

• elevated appearance concerns as defined by a score of 53 or higher on the SAAS
• Being female

Exclusion Criteria:

• being male
• Score of 52 or lower on the SAAS
• Currently receiving treatment (therapy, counseling, etc.) for anxiety, depression, eating disorder, or body image/appearance concerns
• If applicable, unstable psychiatric medication usage any time over the past 4 weeks