A Meta Analysis Examining the Influence of Pro Eating Disorder Websites on Body Image and Eating Pathology.
Previous research has indicated that exposure to pro eating disorder websites might increase eating pathology; however, the magnitude of this effect is unknown. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta analysis to examine the effect of exposure to pro eating disorder websites on body image and eating pathology. Studies examining the relationship between exposure to pro eating disorder websites and eating pathology related outcomes were included. The systematic review identified nine studies. Findings revealed significant effect sizes of exposure to pro eating disorder websites on body image dissatisfaction (five studies) d .41, p .003; dieting (six studies) d .68, p .001, and negative affect (three studies) d 1.00, p .001. No effect emerged for bulimic symptoms (four studies) d .22, p .73. Findings confirmed the effect of pro eating disorder websites on body image and eating pathology, highlighting the need for enforceable regulation of these websites.
European eating disorders review the journal of the Eating Disorders Association