Examining the unique benefits of functionality appreciation for body image, self-objectification, and well-being in women

Abstract

Functionality-focused interventions promote body image and well-being in women. However, whether these benefits are unique compared to appearance or personality appreciation remains unclear. The current study addressed this gap using an experimental post-only online study design in a sample of 260 women (ages 18–73) who were randomly allocated to complete a brief 10-minute writing task fostering appreciation of body functionality or appearance, or personality as a non-body-specific comparison. Effects on state well-being (i.e., positive and negative affect, gratitude), body image (i.e., body appreciation, appearance, and functionality satisfaction), and self-objectification were examined alongside task acceptability. In line with study hypotheses, results indicated that women in the functionality condition reported lower state self-objectification than women in both the appearance and personality conditions, greater body appreciation and functionality satisfaction than the personality condition, and greater gratitude compared to the appearance condition. The functionality condition was also rated as more meaningful than the personality condition and more helpful than both comparison conditions. Results support the unique benefits of brief writing tasks fostering functionality appreciation in women as a viable and acceptable target for body image and well-being promotion. Future studies testing change and duration of effects in more diverse samples are needed.