Citation

Gies J, Martino S. Qual. Rep. 2014; (29).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Nova Southeastern University, School of Social and Systematic Studies)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Previous studies have investigated the potential harmful effects of pro-eating disorder (ED) websites. Websites, such as personal blogs, may contain eating disorder content that may hold important information as well and must be considered. Fifteen blogs hosted by the site "Tumblr" were qualitatively analyzed. Each blog owner was anonymous and all were female. Ten main themes were extracted using grounded theory: interaction, negative selfworth, mind and body disturbances, pictures, eating disorders, suicide, diet, exercise, stats, and recovery. Additional themes also appeared in the study.

RESULTS indicate that although each individual blog is unique to its owner, common concepts existed among the majority. The implications for the information in the ED blogs and directions for future research are discussed. 2014: Jacqueline Gies, Sara Martino, and Nova Southeastern University.

Language: en

Keywords

Treatment; Eating disorders; Online support; Blogs