Media Smart – Australia-wide Study

Posted at the request of the researchers

Hi All,

We are now recruiting for an Australia-wide online RCT for 2 versions of our online Media Smart program (different to the school program).  The study is open to 13-25 year-olds of any gender and from all around Australia.  People can register their interest by emailing: [email protected]edu.au 

This research builds on the promising findings from our first Australia and NZ-wide RCT, where MS: reduced eating disorder (ED) onset by 66% (in those asymptomatic at baseline) and increased remission rates by 75% (in those symptomatic at baseline) relative to controls at 12-month follow-up; significantly lowered six ED risk factors and impairment variables relative to controls and another active program; reduced the onset of clinical depressive symptoms by 10-fold relative to controls at 6- and 12-month follow-up; prevented any MS participants from experimenting with recreational drugs (compared to 18.2% of controls); and, reduced the likelihood of developing high-suicidality by 54%.

Thus while MS online is intended to be a prevention program for those at-risk of an ED or who simply want to improve their body image, it was also found to be helpful as an early intervention program for those already meeting diagnosis (and in some cases as an adjunct to those receiving treatment).

The study will likely go live early in the new year but we wish to have a database of email addresses for interested people to fast track the recruitment process. To share this information the flyer is here.

Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions,

Simon