Pro-anorexia websites: What a clinician should know

OBJECTIVE:: The purpose of this study was to conduct a content analysis of the "Tips and Tricks" section of pro-ana websites to better understand information shared on these sites, and aide clinicians in identification, treatment, and prevention of anorexia. METHOD:: Nine pro-ana websites...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The International journal of eating disorders 2009-05, Vol.42 (4), p.367-370
Main Authors: Harshbarger, Jenni L, Ahlers-Schmidt, Carolyn R, Mayans, Laura, Mayans, David, Hawkins, Joseph H
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult and adolescent clinical studies
Anorexia
Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia Nervosa - psychology
Attitude to Health
Biological and medical sciences
body image
Caloric Restriction - methods
Caloric Restriction - psychology
Content analysis
Deception
Diet, Reducing - methods
Diet, Reducing - psychology
Eating behavior disorders
Eating disorders
eHealth
gaining weight
health care workers
Health education
health services
Humans
Information Dissemination - methods
Internet
Medical sciences
medical treatment
mental health
pro-ana
pro-anorexia
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychopathology. Psychiatry
psychotherapy
Websites
Weight Loss
world wide web
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Summary:OBJECTIVE:: The purpose of this study was to conduct a content analysis of the "Tips and Tricks" section of pro-ana websites to better understand information shared on these sites, and aide clinicians in identification, treatment, and prevention of anorexia. METHOD:: Nine pro-ana websites were evaluated to identify categories of information in "Tips and Tricks." A content analysis was performed using emergent coding methods and 16 categories were determined. Reliability was acceptable (Cohen's Kappa = 0.702). Discrepancies were corrected by consensus. Frequencies of individual categories were computed. RESULTS:: Most "Tips and Tricks" are directed at dieting/restricting calories (28.6%) and distraction (14.0%). Most disturbing, 11% of comments were directed at lying and concealing symptoms. DISCUSSION:: Clinicians aware of "Tips and Tricks" might be better equipped to recognize the symptoms of anorexia early in treatment. Knowledge of "Tips and Tricks" can also facilitate better education, making it difficult for clients to conceal their illness. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009
ISSN:0276-3478
1098-108X
DOI:10.1002/eat.20608