Literature review : how pro-ana websites influence the maintenance of anorexia.

• Main Author: Han, Qingpei.
• Other Authors: Qiu Lin
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Social sciences::Psychology
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/51006
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Pro-anorexia (pro-ana) sites are a version of pro-eating disorder websites that defines and promotes anorexia as a lifestyle choice instead of an illness. These controversial sites have been a target of media outrage, and many professional and pro recovery organizations are campaigning to have them shut down. However, instead of disappearing, the number of pro-ana websites has been on the rise. Although studies have found that the majority of individuals who visit these websites possess dysfunctional behaviors towards weight loss and food, and were maintaining an eating disorder; no integration of research findings on the relationship between the use of pro-ana websites and the perpetuation of anorexia yet exists. The purpose of this study was to determine how pro-ana websites influence the maintenance of anorexia. After completing a review on literature about these websites, it was observed that the pro-ana sites contribute to the perpetuation of anorexic symptoms and hamper recovery from the eating disorder in four ways: (1) they provide social support for the anorectics’ disordered eating practices and behaviors; (2) they act as a source of information and inspiration for individuals to carry out their disordered eating lifestyle; (3) they serve to validate and reinforce the anorexic identities of users; and (4) they promote resistance towards medical authority. It is hoped that through this review, insights into anorexia from a patient’s perspective will be gained, and the knowledge will contribute to improving the clinical model of anorexia. The treatment implications of these findings are discussed in the article.