PloS one
A pre-post study of self-esteem, self-concept and body image among adolescents in the context of a co-created community intervention on screen use
By Artigues-Barberà E, Pollina-Pocallet M, García-Martínez E and 3 others.
Abstract
Introduction
Excessive screen use negatively affects adolescents' self-esteem, self-concept, and body image, largely due to social comparison on digital platforms. Educational interventions are often less effective without community involvement, highlighting the importance of an ecological and participatory approach. This study aimed to assess the changes observed following the implementation of a community co-created intervention programme on screen use, self-esteem, self-concept, and positive body image among adolescents from a rural area in Catalonia.
Methods
The study was conducted in Bellpuig, a rural municipality in Catalonia, Spain, involving adolescents aged twelve to sixteen years enrolled at `Lo Pla d'Urgell´ institute. This was a quasi-experimental single-group study with pre and post intervention measurements. The intervention program was co-created with adolescents, families, teachers, healthcare professionals, and local community stakeholders through a participatory design process, and comprised educational and participatory activities focused on fostering digital balance and promoting self-esteem, self-concept, and positive body image. Data were collected using validated self-report measures before and after the intervention. Pre-post changes were assessed using two-sided Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Differences in individual pre-post change scores between girls and boys were assessed using two-sided Mann-Whitney U tests. Rank-biserial correlations with 95% confidence intervals were reported as effect-size estimates.