Mirror exposure for the treatment of body image disturbance

Objective: Body image disturbance is a risk factor for the development and persistence of eating disorders. Limitations of current treatments for body image disturbance prompted the development of a mirror exposure (ME) treatment. Method: ME involves deliberate, planned, and systematic exposure to body image. The approach is non-judgmental, holistic in focus, and mindful of present emotional experience. Complementary behavioral assignments aim to reduce avoidance and excessive checking. The current study evaluated the effectiveness of ME therapy (in a three session format) compared with a nondirective (ND) therapy for 45 women with extreme weight and shape concerns. Results: ME resulted in significant improvements at termination and follow-up in body checking and avoidance, weight and shape concerns, body dissatisfaction, dieting, depression, and self-esteem. As hypothesized, ME was significantly better than ND on many of the outcome measures. Conclusion: ME is an effective treatment for body image disturbance and should be evaluated in the context of treatments for eating disorders. (c) 2005 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.