Disordered Eating BehaviorsNCT07558161
Positive Mirror Exposure for Body Image in Female Students With Disordered Eating
A study testing Positive Mirror Exposure in people with Disordered Eating Behaviors and Body Image Disturbance, run by Kinnaird College for Women at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This study aims to examine the efficacy of repeated positive mirror exposure in improving body image and emotional affect among female university students with disordered eating symptoms. Disturbances in body image and negative affect are common among individuals experiencing disordered eating behaviors. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 25 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Disordered Eating Behaviors, Body Image Disturbance
- What is being tested?
- Positive Mirror Exposure
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 75 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 18 Aug 2025to 10 Mar 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 25 years
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Female university students Aged between 18 and 25 years Presence of disordered eating symptoms as assessed by a screening measure Willingness to participate in mirror exposure sessions Ability to provide informed consent
Who cannot join
- Current diagnosis of a severe psychiatric disorder (e.g., psychosis, severe depression) Current treatment for an eating disorder Medical conditions affecting weight or eating behavior Inability to participate in intervention sessions
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Efficacy of Repeated Positive Mirror Exposure in Enhancing Body Image and Affect Among Female University Students With Disordered Eating Symptoms
This study aims to examine the efficacy of repeated positive mirror exposure in improving body image and emotional affect among female university students with disordered eating symptoms. Disturbances in body image and negative affect are common among individuals experiencing disordered eating behaviors. Positive mirror exposure is a psychological intervention designed to promote body acceptance and reduce appearance-related distress by encouraging individuals to focus on neutral or positive aspects of their bodies during mirror viewing.
In this study, participants undergo repeated sessions of guided positive mirror exposure. Changes in body image and affect are assessed using standardized psychological measures before and after the intervention. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the development of accessible and effective interventions for improving body image and emotional well-being in at-risk populations.
Read the detailed description
Disordered eating symptoms are frequently associated with body dissatisfaction and negative emotional states, particularly among young adult females. Body image disturbances are considered a core feature of disordered eating and are linked with increased psychological distress, including anxiety and depressive symptoms. Therefore, interventions targeting body image are critical in improving overall psychological well-being.
Positive mirror exposure is an emerging therapeutic approach that involves repeated and structured exposure to one's body in a mirror while encouraging non-judgmental or positive self-focused attention. Unlike traditional mirror exposure, which may focus on habituation to distress, positive mirror exposure emphasizes acceptance, appreciation, and cognitive restructuring of body-related thoughts.
The present study investigates the efficacy of repeated positive mirror exposure in enhancing body image and affect among female university students exhibiting disordered eating symptoms. Participants were assigned to an intervention protocol involving multiple sessions of guided mirror exposure. During these sessions, participants were instructed to observe their bodies and verbalize neutral or positive statements, with the aim of reducing negative self-evaluation and improving emotional responses.
Standardized self-report measures of body image and affect were administered before and after the intervention to assess changes over time. It is hypothesized that participants undergoing repeated positive mirror exposure will demonstrate significant improvements in body image and positive affect, along with reductions in negative affect.
The findings of this study may provide empirical support for a low-cost, easily implementable psychological intervention that can be applied in both clinical and non-clinical settings to address body image concerns and emotional distress associated with disordered eating.
- Being tested
- Positive Mirror Exposure
- Keywords
- Positive Mirror Exposure, Affect, Body Dissatisfaction, Body Image, Emotional Well-being, Female University Students
- Medical subject headings
- Disordered Eating Behavior
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Positive Mirror ExposureBehavioural
A structured behavioral intervention involving repeated mirror exposure sessions in which participants observe their bodies and engage in guided verbalization of positive or neutral statements. The intervention is designed to improve body image and emotional affect through increased body acceptance and reduced negative self-evaluation.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Full Positive Mirror Exposure | Experimental | Participants received full positive mirror exposure involving guided observation of their entire body while verbalizing positive and accepting statements across repeated sessions. Receives: Behavioral: Positive Mirror Exposure |
| Partial Positive Mirror Exposure | Experimental | Participants received partial positive mirror exposure focusing on selected body areas with guided positive or neutral verbalizations during mirror viewing sessions. Receives: Behavioral: Positive Mirror Exposure |
| Neutral Mirror Exposure | Active comparator | Participants engaged in neutral mirror exposure without emphasis on positive evaluation, serving as a comparison condition. Receives: Behavioral: Positive Mirror Exposure |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Positive and Negative Affect
Emotional affect will be measured using a standardized scale assessing positive and negative emotional states. Changes in affect will be evaluated from pre- to post-intervention.
Measured: Pre-intervention to post-intervention
Body Image
Body image will be assessed using a standardized self-report measure evaluating participants' perceptions, attitudes, and satisfaction with their body. Scores will be compared before and after the intervention to assess improvement.
Measured: Pre-intervention to post-intervention (e.g., baseline to 4 weeks)
Secondary outcomes (1)
Change in Disordered Eating Symptoms
Disordered eating symptoms will be assessed using a standardized self-report measure evaluating behaviors and attitudes related to eating, including dietary restraint, binge eating tendencies, and concerns about weight and shape. Changes in symptom levels will be compared before and after the intervention.
Measured: Pre-intervention to post-intervention (e.g., baseline to 4 weeks)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted30 Apr 2026
- Study start18 Aug 2025
- Primary completion7 Jan 2026
- Study completion10 Mar 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Disordered Eating BehaviorsStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants were assigned to one of three groups: full positive mirror exposure, partial positive mirror exposure, and neutral mirror exposure. Each group received a different form of the intervention to compare their effects on body image and affect.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 75 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Kinnaird College for Women
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Shifa Nadeem, Kinnaird College for Women
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07558161
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- OCD2026
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 23 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 30 Apr 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 30 Apr 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Efficacy of Repeated Positive Mirror Exposure in Enhancing Body Image and Affect Among Female University Students With Disordered Eating Symptoms
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07558161
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- OCD2026
- Keywords
- Positive Mirror Exposure, Affect, Body Dissatisfaction, Body Image, Emotional Well-being, Female University Students
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 75 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Kinnaird College for WomenUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 18 Aug 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 7 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 10 Mar 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 30 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study aims to examine the efficacy of repeated positive mirror exposure in improving body image and emotional affect among female university students with disordered eating symptoms. Disturbances in body image and negative affect are common among individuals experiencing disordered eating behaviors. Positive mirror exposure is a psychological intervention designed to promote body acceptance and reduce appearance-related distress by encouraging individuals to focus on neutral or positive aspects of their bodies during mirror viewing.
In this study, participants undergo repeated sessions of guided positive mirror exposure. Changes in body image and affect are assessed using standardized psychological measures before and after the intervention. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the development of accessible and effective interventions for improving body image and emotional well-being in at-risk populations.
Detailed description
Disordered eating symptoms are frequently associated with body dissatisfaction and negative emotional states, particularly among young adult females. Body image disturbances are considered a core feature of disordered eating and are linked with increased psychological distress, including anxiety and depressive symptoms. Therefore, interventions targeting body image are critical in improving overall psychological well-being.
Positive mirror exposure is an emerging therapeutic approach that involves repeated and structured exposure to one's body in a mirror while encouraging non-judgmental or positive self-focused attention. Unlike traditional mirror exposure, which may focus on habituation to distress, positive mirror exposure emphasizes acceptance, appreciation, and cognitive restructuring of body-related thoughts.
The present study investigates the efficacy of repeated positive mirror exposure in enhancing body image and affect among female university students exhibiting disordered eating symptoms. Participants were assigned to an intervention protocol involving multiple sessions of guided mirror exposure. During these sessions, participants were instructed to observe their bodies and verbalize neutral or positive statements, with the aim of reducing negative self-evaluation and improving emotional responses.
Standardized self-report measures of body image and affect were administered before and after the intervention to assess changes over time. It is hypothesized that participants undergoing repeated positive mirror exposure will demonstrate significant improvements in body image and positive affect, along with reductions in negative affect.
The findings of this study may provide empirical support for a low-cost, easily implementable psychological intervention that can be applied in both clinical and non-clinical settings to address body image concerns and emotional distress associated with disordered eating.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- Participants were assigned to one of three groups: full positive mirror exposure, partial positive mirror exposure, and neutral mirror exposure. Each group received a different form of the intervention to compare their effects on body image and affect.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Full Positive Mirror Exposure | Experimental | Behavioral: Positive Mirror ExposureParticipants received full positive mirror exposure involving guided observation of their entire body while verbalizing positive and accepting statements across repeated sessions. |
| Partial Positive Mirror Exposure | Experimental | Behavioral: Positive Mirror ExposureParticipants received partial positive mirror exposure focusing on selected body areas with guided positive or neutral verbalizations during mirror viewing sessions. |
| Neutral Mirror Exposure | Active comparator | Behavioral: Positive Mirror ExposureParticipants engaged in neutral mirror exposure without emphasis on positive evaluation, serving as a comparison condition. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 25 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Female university students Aged between 18 and 25 years Presence of disordered eating symptoms as assessed by a screening measure Willingness to participate in mirror exposure sessions Ability to provide informed consent
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Current diagnosis of a severe psychiatric disorder (e.g., psychosis, severe depression) Current treatment for an eating disorder Medical conditions affecting weight or eating behavior Inability to participate in intervention sessions
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Positive Mirror ExposureA structured behavioral intervention involving repeated mirror exposure sessions in which participants observe their bodies and engage in guided verbalization of positive or neutral statements. The intervention is designed to improve body image and emotional affect through increased body acceptance and reduced negative self-evaluation. | Behavioural | Full Positive Mirror Exposure, Neutral Mirror Exposure, Partial Positive Mirror Exposure |
Primary outcome
Positive and Negative Affect
Time frame: Pre-intervention to post-intervention
Emotional affect will be measured using a standardized scale assessing positive and negative emotional states. Changes in affect will be evaluated from pre- to post-intervention.
Body Image
Time frame: Pre-intervention to post-intervention (e.g., baseline to 4 weeks)
Body image will be assessed using a standardized self-report measure evaluating participants' perceptions, attitudes, and satisfaction with their body. Scores will be compared before and after the intervention to assess improvement.
1 secondary outcome
Change in Disordered Eating Symptoms
Time frame: Pre-intervention to post-intervention (e.g., baseline to 4 weeks)
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 30 Apr 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Positive Mirror Exposure in people with Disordered Eating Behaviors and Body Image Disturbance, run by Kinnaird College for Women at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 Apr 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Positive and Negative Affect (time frame: Pre-intervention to post-intervention). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 30 Apr 2026.