Exploring experiences of online ‘pro-ana’ networks: An interpretative phenomenological analysis approach

IF 1.2 Q3 PSYCHOLOGY, CLINICAL Counselling & Psychotherapy Research Pub Date : 2024-02-10 DOI:10.1002/capr.12744

Jessica Sharman, Alison Rolfe, Tara Morrey

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Abstract

Objective

Online pro-ana communities encourage, rather than denounce, eating disorder (ED) behaviours. Most research analyses online pro-ana content. Fewer studies have interviewed bloggers directly. To the authors' knowledge, no previous studies have analysed both posts and interview data from pro-ana bloggers. This study aimed to explore bloggers' experiences of online pro-ana communities, analysing posts and interview data.

Method

Five pro-ana bloggers participated in semi-structured interviews over Skype or Telegram. Bloggers' posts and interview data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis, a qualitative method of analysis that emphasises the detailed exploration of participants' individual experiences and how they make sense of these experiences.

Results

Five superordinate themes were identified: ambivalence towards pro-ana; social support; ‘Ana’ way of life; body/weight desperation; and hidden ED identity. Participants reported hiding their pro-ana blog, for fear of judgement from offline others. In contrast, participants experienced online pro-ana communities as a source of understanding, connection and solidarity that counteracted stigma experienced in the offline world. All participants idealised ‘Ana’ (anorexia), either as an admirable lifestyle or as the idealised, personification of anorexia, named ‘Ana’. Simultaneously, participants experienced pro-ana communities as deceptive and/or harmful, demonstrating ambivalence towards pro-ana.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that community and shared understanding are important to individuals accessing pro-ana content. Therapists may explore this further with clients, alongside any ambivalence towards pro-ana and/or alternative supportive environments, such as online support groups. This may reduce isolation, without idealising ED behaviours. Future research could explore bloggers' relationships with the personified ‘Ana’ and experiences of non-Western and male users.

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探索在线 "亲安娜 "网络的经验：解释性现象分析方法

网上支持厌食症的社区鼓励而非谴责饮食失调（ED）行为。大多数研究分析的是网上支持厌食症的内容。直接采访博主的研究较少。据作者所知，以前的研究还没有同时分析过亲厌食博主的帖子和访谈数据。本研究旨在通过分析博文和访谈数据，探讨博主在网络亲虚拟社区中的经历。五位亲虚拟社区博主通过 Skype 或 Telegram 参加了半结构化访谈。博主的帖子和访谈数据采用解释性现象学分析法进行分析，这种定性分析方法强调详细探讨参与者的个人经历以及他们如何理解这些经历。我们确定了五个首要主题：对亲ana 的矛盾心理；社会支持；"ana "的生活方式；对身体/体重的绝望；以及隐藏的 ED 身份。参与者报告说，他们隐藏了自己的亲安娜博客，因为他们害怕来自线下其他人的评判。与此相反，参与者认为网上的支持成人社区是理解、联系和团结的源泉，可以抵消线下世界的污名化。所有参与者都将 "Ana"（厌食症）理想化，要么将其视为一种令人钦佩的生活方式，要么将其视为厌食症的理想化和人格化，命名为 "Ana"。同时，参与者认为亲厌食症社区具有欺骗性和/或有害性，表现出了对亲厌食症的矛盾心理。研究结果表明，社区和共同理解对个人获取亲厌食症内容非常重要。治疗师可以与客户进一步探讨这一点，以及对亲虚拟社区和/或其他支持性环境（如在线支持小组）的矛盾心理。这样既可以减少孤独感，又不会将 ED 行为理想化。未来的研究可以探讨博主与人格化的 "安娜 "之间的关系，以及非西方和男性用户的体验。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Counselling & Psychotherapy Research PSYCHOLOGY, CLINICAL-

CiteScore

4.40

自引率

12.50%

发文量

期刊介绍： Counselling and Psychotherapy Research is an innovative international peer-reviewed journal dedicated to linking research with practice. Pluralist in orientation, the journal recognises the value of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods strategies of inquiry and aims to promote high-quality, ethical research that informs and develops counselling and psychotherapy practice. CPR is a journal of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, promoting reflexive research strongly linked to practice. The journal has its own website: www.cprjournal.com. The aim of this site is to further develop links between counselling and psychotherapy research and practice by offering accessible information about both the specific contents of each issue of CPR, as well as wider developments in counselling and psychotherapy research. The aims are to ensure that research remains relevant to practice, and for practice to continue to inform research development.