Background/aim: Pro-anorexia is a relatively new internet phenomenon. Few papers have been published on the topic; however, these have largely focused on the content of the sites and the effects of viewing them. The studies presented in the thesis were designed to inform our understanding of both the lifeworld and lived experiences of pro-anorexia, with a view to informing both academic and clinical understanding of the phenomenon. Design: Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was employed to explore the lived experience and descriptive phenomenology (DP) was utilised to investigate the lifeworld of the pro-anorexic user. Methods: Eight females were recruited to interviews, which were later transcribed and analysed with IPA. Two pro-anorexic blogs were identified one of which was written by a female and the other a male; these were analysed using DP. Results: The IPA study identified sub-ordinate themes: 'trajectory', 'boosting of the self and 'thinspiration', each with their own independent subordinate themes. The blog studies produced differing themes; however, the studies collectively demonstrated similarities which contributed to the understanding of why people may use these and subsequently disengage from the websites across the stages of eating disorder illness. Conclusion: Pro-anorexia clearly has a significant meaning and is very consuming for its users who present with eating disorder symptoms across the spectrum of illness. Clinicians should adopt a clinical stance (Geller, Williams and Srikameswaran, 2001) which fosters curiosity and acceptance, whilst suspending judgment when working with clients with eating disorders, specifically those who use pro-ana. In doing this it is anticipated that shame associated with use will be reduced and in being heard, users will be less likely to resort to pro-anorexic materials. It has been found that where services fail to work with the clients current stage of change (Prochaska and DiClemente, 1983) then pro-anorexic use is likely to re-occur. The findings of the studies included in this thesis also demonstrate a need for contributors to both popular and academic media alike, to engage in wider consultation to establish the most useful way in which to present pro-anorexia in the public and academic domain and hence, provide warnings on the topic, rather than signpost those who are vulnerable to eating disorder symptomology.

No description available.

Using Grounded theory this thesis analyses the forms of support that are present on two online anorexia forums. Data was collected through non-participant observation and online interviews with members of two online anorexia forums, one pro-anorexic in orientation, one pro-recovery. Despite the clear differences that exist between the two communities, continuities are strongly apparent, especially when looking at these forums as support environments. This thesis illustrates that support is conditional, that is takes on a variety of forms in any one environment and highlights the role of offline discourses in shaping online support. It also provides an in-depth comparison of two online anorexia forums.

Pro-anorexia is a complex, multi-layered phenomenon that exists only online. The women who participate in these websites are learning to negotiate how to manage an identity that is normalized within the group but stigmatized within larger society. Using an open-ended survey, distributed online directly to pro-ana website users, I aim to illustrate pro-anorexic experience. After a brief demographic sketch of typical pro-anorexic spaces, I examine pro-anorexia in depth by asking three primary research questions: 1) how do pro-anorexics craft their online identities within the community; 2) how do individuals interact with one another in a highly contested and heavily policed online social world; and 3) how does a counterculture negotiate its relationship with larger society? In asking these three questions, I am extending current academic understandings of pro-anorexia by spotlighting what pro-ana is in the words of the women who use these websites and engage in disordered eating behaviors.

No description available.