RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Assessing the Efficacy of a Song to Improve Body Appreciation Among Young Children

This study explores if a song designed to boost body confidence can help children aged 4 to 6. Researchers previously found that a song with a video helped children feel more positive about their bodies. Now, they want to see if just listening to the audio version of the song has the same effect. Children will listen to either the body confidence song or a different song. Afterwards, researchers will ask them simple, play-based questions to see if their body appreciation has improved and if they understood the song's message. This research aims to find easy ways to help young children develop a healthy body image from an early age.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of the West of England

Enrolment target

200

Start

22 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2026

Body Image

What is this study about?

This study is looking into how young children, specifically those aged 4 to 6, feel about their bodies. Research shows that children start forming opinions about their bodies at a very young age, and sometimes these feelings can be negative. Having a positive body image is really important for young people, as feeling bad about their bodies can lead to issues like low self-esteem or unhealthy eating habits later on. That's why experts believe it's vital to help children develop a healthy body appreciation as early as possible.

Previously, researchers created a special song and music video, working with children's media creators (like those behind the popular show Blippi) and the Dove Self-Esteem Project. They found that watching this music video helped young children feel more positive about their bodies compared to those who watched a different video. Now, they want to see if the song alone, without the visual part, can still have this positive effect. This is important because many children's audio-only content, like songs on Spotify or Apple Music, is widely available.

So, in this study, some children will listen to the body confidence song, while others will listen to a different, unrelated song. Afterwards, the researchers will have one-on-one chats with the children, asking them simple questions in a fun, play-based way. This will help them understand if the body confidence song improved how the children felt about their bodies and if they understood its message. The overall goal is to find effective and easy ways to help children develop a positive outlook towards their own bodies.

Key takeaways

This study helps understand if songs can improve how young children feel about their bodies.
It's for children aged 4 to 6, in UK primary schools (Reception or Year 1).
Children will listen to a song and answer fun, play-based questions.
The goal is to find easy ways to help children develop a positive body image early on.
Participation is a single, short session at school, with no medications or further visits.
Parents or guardians must give permission, and children can stop taking part at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, children need to be aged between 4 and 6 years old. This usually means they are in Reception or Year 1 at primary school in the UK.

If you are a parent or guardian, you would need to agree for your child to be part of the research. If you decide you don't want your child to take part, or you change your mind later, that's absolutely fine, and your child would not be included.

The study is open to both boys and girls who meet the age and school year requirements.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is your child between 4 and 6 years old?
Is your child currently in Reception or Year 1 at primary school?
Are you, as a parent or guardian, happy for your child to take part?
Is your child comfortable listening to songs and answering simple questions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your child takes part, they will be randomly chosen to either listen to the special body confidence song or another song that isn't about body confidence. This will be an audio-only experience, so they will just listen, not watch a video. After listening to the song, a researcher will spend some one-on-one time with your child. This will involve fun, play-based questions designed to see what they understood from the song and how they feel about their bodies. There are no medications involved in this study, and no follow-up visits beyond this single session. The entire participation for each child will happen during one session at their school and will not take a long time.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of taking part is that your child could be among the first to experience and potentially benefit from a new way to encourage positive body appreciation, helping researchers understand how best to support children's well-being. There are no known risks involved in listening to songs or answering play-based questions. All participation is completely voluntary; you and your child are free to withdraw at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect any care or schooling your child receives.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Various primary schools
Verified postcode
Bristol, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'body appreciation'?

Body appreciation means having a positive and respectful outlook towards your own body, focusing on what it can do rather than just how it looks.

Will my child have to do anything difficult?

No, the activities are designed to be fun and play-based, similar to games, and will involve listening to a song and answering simple questions.

How long will my child's participation take?

The entire process, including listening to the song and answering questions, will happen in one short session at school.

Who is funding this research?

This project is funded by the Dove Self-Esteem Project, which supports initiatives to build body confidence.

Is this study safe for my child?

Yes, there are no known risks involved in listening to songs or answering simple questions in a play-based way. Ensuring children's safety and comfort is a top priority.

How to find out more

Kirsty Garbett, DPhil

kirsty.garbett@uwe.ac.uk +441173282911 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.