The effect of mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) on the body image of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a randomized controlled trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy (MBAT) improves body image in women with PCOS.
Results Summary
MBAT significantly improved body image scores compared to the control group, with sustained effects at one-month follow-up. Some domains of the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire showed improvement, though results were mixed and often inconclusive due to small sample size.
Population
Women of reproductive age (18-45) diagnosed with PCOS in Kerman, Iran.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) | increase | body image | women with PCOS | adjusted mean difference from baseline (AMD) of 29.22 [95% CI 19.54, 38.90] | were greater | #1 |
mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) | increase | body image | women with PCOS | AMD of 34.77 [95% CI 24.75, 44.80] | were greater | #2 |
mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) | increase | body area satisfaction (BASS) | women with PCOS | - | had higher scores | #3 |
mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) | increase | appearance evaluation | women with PCOS | - | had higher scores | #4 |
mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) | increase | health orientation | women with PCOS | - | had higher scores | #5 |
mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) | decrease | appearance orientation | women with PCOS | - | had lower scores | #6 |
mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) | decrease | illness orientation | women with PCOS | - | had lower scores | #7 |
mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) | decrease | health evaluation | women with PCOS | - | had lower scores | #8 |
mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) | decrease | fitness evaluation | women with PCOS | - | had lower scores | #9 |
mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) | decrease | overweight preoccupation | women with PCOS | - | had lower scores | #10 |
mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) | no change | fitness orientation | women with PCOS | - | showed no significant effect | #11 |
mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) | no change | self-classified weight | women with PCOS | - | showed no significant effect | #12 |
BACKGROUND: The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has increased in the last decade, resulting in enduring psychological effects, including negative body image. This study explored the effect of mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) on body image in women with PCOS. METHODS: In a randomized, single-blind, controlled trial conducted in Kerman, Iran, women of reproductive age (18-45) who were diagnosed with PCOS and met specific inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to either the MBAT intervention group or a control group placed on a therapy waiting list. The main focus of the study involved evaluating alterations in body image scores as the primary measure. Additionally, the study assessed secondary outcomes, which encompassed various domains of the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ) before, immediately after, and one month after the intervention. The trial is registered with www.irct.ir (Registration code (25/01/2020): IRCT20170611034452N9). RESULTS: Between August 2020 and January 2021, 66 participants were randomly assigned to the MBAT or waiting list group, and the study was completed by 60 women. At the end of the intervention, body image (adjusted mean difference from baseline (AMD) of 29.22 [95% CI 19.54, 38.90], P < 0.05) and at the one-month follow-up (AMD of 34.77 [95% CI 24.75, 44.80], P < 0.05) were greater in the MBAT group than in the waiting list group. At certain time points, some MBSRQ domains, including body area satisfaction (BASS) (p < 0.05), appearance evaluation (p < 0.05), fitness orientation (p > 0.05), health orientation (p < 0.05), and self-classified weight (p > 0.05), had higher scores than did the control group. However, only BASS had a conclusive effect size (large). Additionally, appearance orientation (p > 0.05), illness orientation (p > 0.05), health evaluation (p < 0.05), fitness evaluation (p > 0.05), and overweight preoccupation (p < 0.05) had lower scores with variable and inconclusive effect sizes. CONCLUSIONS: The MBAT has potential as an effective approach for enhancing body image in women with PCOS. However, some MBSRQ domain results were inconclusive, likely due to the small sample size. Therefore, further research with a larger sample size is recommended.