Promoting Positive Body Image in Children Through Theatre: An Evaluation of Cinderella: the AWESOME Truth

Swami, Viren and Punshon, Sarah and Paul, Toni-Dee (2022) Promoting Positive Body Image in Children Through Theatre: An Evaluation of Cinderella: the AWESOME Truth. Body Image, 42. pp. 50-57. ISSN 1873-6807

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Abstract

Cinderella: the AWESOME Truth is a children’s theatrical production developed with the aim of promoting positive body image and improved self-image. As part of the production’s initial run at the Polka Theatre in London, United Kingdom, we conducted an evaluation of the show’s efficacy at improving state positive body image and self-image. Using a single-arm design, we recruited 54 girls and 45 boys between the ages of 5 and 9 years attending a performance of Cinderella with their parents/caregivers, and asked them to complete an adapted measure of state body appreciation at pre- and post-attendance. Participants were also asked to complete open-ended questions about their own uniqueness and awesomeness – two central themes of the production – at both time-points, and their enjoyment of the show at post-attendance. Results indicated that attending the performance improved state body appreciation, self-perceived uniqueness, and self-perceived awesomeness, with small-to-moderate effects. These results were consistent across girls and boys, and enjoyment of the performance was near universally high. Despite limitations – including the lack of a control group and the constrained assessment period – these results suggest that tailored children’s theatre may be a viable method of promoting positive body image in young age groups.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Keywords:	Positive body image, Children, Theatre, Body appreciation, Uniqueness, Cinderella
Faculty:	Faculty of Science & Engineering
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic User
Depositing User:	Symplectic User
Date Deposited:	23 May 2022 09:37
Last Modified:	14 Jun 2022 09:23
URI:	https://arro.anglia.ac.uk/id/eprint/707617

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