An Analysis of Imagined Interactions With Pro-Ana (Anorexia): Implications for Mental and Physical Health

• In Event: Social Media, Public Health, and Mental Health

Abstract

For individuals suffering from an eating disorder, the Internet is a place of encouragement and support. To date, however, no comprehensive research has been done to examine particular entries on blogs used by those individuals. Therefore, this study aimed to fill that gap. It focuses on what types of messages individuals communicate to pro-anorexia (pro-ana) website, and what types of imagined interactions they have with others about their disorder. A total of 587 pro-ana blog entries were content analyzed. The results indicated that individuals with an eating disorder blog to talk about their illness, to ruminate about the conflict with their parents and peers who often disapprove of their actions, and to ask for advice. Food is the most cited theme in the blog entries. This supports the evolutionary perspective that food is always on their mind, something those with eating disorders try to control.

Authors

• Pavica Sheldon, University of Alabama - Huntsville

• Stephanie Houston Grey, Louisiana State U

• Andrea Jean Vickery, Louisiana State U

• James M. Honeycutt, Louisiana State University