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Psychological Impact of Pro-Anorexia and Pro-Eating Disorder Websites on Adolescent Females: A Systematic Review

Author

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  • Carmela Mento

    (Department of Biomedical, Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Psychiatric Unit Policlinico “G. Martino” Hospital, 98124 Messina, Italy)

  • Maria Catena Silvestri

    (Psychiatric Unit, Policlinico Hospital “G. Martino”, 98124 Messina, Italy)

  • Maria Rosaria Anna Muscatello

    (Department of Biomedical, Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Psychiatric Unit Policlinico “G. Martino” Hospital, 98124 Messina, Italy)

  • Amelia Rizzo

    (Psychiatric Unit, Policlinico Hospital “G. Martino”, 98124 Messina, Italy)

  • Laura Celebre

    (Department of Biomedical, Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Psychiatric Unit Policlinico “G. Martino” Hospital, 98124 Messina, Italy)

  • Martina Praticò

    (Department of Biomedical, Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Psychiatric Unit Policlinico “G. Martino” Hospital, 98124 Messina, Italy)

  • Rocco Antonio Zoccali

    (Department of Biomedical, Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Psychiatric Unit Policlinico “G. Martino” Hospital, 98124 Messina, Italy)

  • Antonio Bruno

    (Department of Biomedical, Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Psychiatric Unit Policlinico “G. Martino” Hospital, 98124 Messina, Italy)

Abstract

(1) Background: Teenagers (in particular, females) suffering from eating disorders report being not satisfied with their physical aspect and they often perceive their body image in a wrong way; they report an excessive use of websites, defined as PRO-ANA and PRO-MIA, that promote an ideal of thinness, providing advice and suggestions about how to obtain super slim bodies. (2) Aim: The aim of this review is to explore the psychological impact of pro-ana and pro-mia websites on female teenagers. (3) Methods: We have carried out a systematic review of the literature on PubMed. The search terms that have been used are: “ Pro ” AND “ Ana ” OR “ Blogging ” AND “ Mia ”. Initially, 161 publications were identified, but in total, in compliance with inclusion and exclusion criteria, 12 studies have been analyzed. (4) Results: The recent scientific literature has identified a growing number of Pro Ana and Pro Mia blogs which play an important role in the etiology of anorexia and bulimia, above all in female teenagers. The feelings of discomfort and dissatisfaction with their physical aspect, therefore, reduce their self-esteem. (5) Conclusion: These websites encourage anorexic and bulimic behaviors, in particular in female teenagers. Attention to healthy eating guidelines and policies during adolescence, focused on correcting eating behavioral aspects, is very important to prevent severe forms of psychopathology with more vulnerability in the perception of body image, social desirability, and negative emotional feedback.

Suggested Citation

  • Carmela Mento & Maria Catena Silvestri & Maria Rosaria Anna Muscatello & Amelia Rizzo & Laura Celebre & Martina Praticò & Rocco Antonio Zoccali & Antonio Bruno, 2021. "Psychological Impact of Pro-Anorexia and Pro-Eating Disorder Websites on Adolescent Females: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-14, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:4:p:2186-:d:504455
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Borzekowski, D.L.G. & Schenk, S. & Wilson, J.L. & Peebles, R., 2010. "E-Ana and e-Mia: A content analysis of pro-eating disorder web sites," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(8), pages 1526-1534.
    2. David Moher & Alessandro Liberati & Jennifer Tetzlaff & Douglas G Altman & The PRISMA Group, 2009. "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(7), pages 1-6, July.
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    1. Paula Fernández & José Antonio Labra & María Teresa Méndez & Carmen González & Soraya Coballes & Antonio Souto-Gestal, 2023. "The Moderating Effect of Sex and Age on the Pattern of Body Image by Pre-Adolescents and Adolescents and Its Relationship with the Time They Spend Doing Sports," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-20, June.
    2. Clemente Cedro & Carmela Mento & Maria Cristina Piccolo & Fiammetta Iannuzzo & Amelia Rizzo & Maria Rosaria Anna Muscatello & Gianluca Pandolfo, 2022. "Sexual Desire and Body Image. Gender Differences and Correlations before and during COVID-19 Lockdown," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-11, April.

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