Eating disorders and the role of the media.

Abstract

Introduction: This paper provides a review of the role of the media in the development, maintenance, prevention, and treatment of eating disorders.

Method: The literature on gambling in youth on the internet was reviewed. It explores: (1) the role of the media in providing a social context for the development of eating disorders, (2) the role of the media in the etiology of eating disorder pathology, (3) the ways in which the media is used by patients suffering from eating disorders, and (4) the role that awareness of the media can have in the treatment and prevention of eating disorders.

Results: This review demonstrates that the media does contribute to the development of eating disorders.

Conclusion: This review highlights the need for media literacy and media activism to help change the current normative body discontent of women in the Western world.