Internet and patient empowerment in individuals with symptoms of an eating disorder: A cross-sectional investigation of a pro-recovery focused e-community

How a moderated online discussion forum facilitates support for young people with eating disorders

“…The literature consistently shows that young people worry that anyone they approached for emotional support could compromise them by sharing their personal and sensitive information with others . The peer support offered on the online forum may be attractive specifically because of its certain anonymity, echoing the findings of other studies of online discussion …”

“…24,[30][31][32][70][71][72] The peer support offered on the online forum may be attractive specifically because of its certain anonymity, echoing the findings of other studies of online discussion. [43][44][45]73 Deciding to seek help Forum users seemed to engage with the friendship, peer support and mentorship communicated through the messages, to learn about different kinds of help or how people have coped when helpseeking has gone wrong. They could choose their level of engagement and be noncommittal about accessing support, which for some might be the start of a recovery journey.…”

“I would love to have online support but I don't trust it”: Positive and negative views of technology from the perspective of those with eating disorders in Canada

“…Previous research demonstrates that recovery‐oriented resources often include discussions that are negative (Johnsen, Rosenvinge, & Gammon, ) in language and content that promote pro‐ED ideologies, like the idealisation of thinness (Riley, Rodham, & Gavin, ). Research of recovery‐oriented online message boards and forums recognises the importance of maintaining safety for users through the enforcement of rules and the moderation of content by professionals (Aardoom et al., ; Flynn & Stana, ; Kendal et al., ; Walstrom, ). Despite the issue of safety, participants highlighted that technology which facilitates connection with others, such as texting, e‐mailing and Facebook, can be very helpful while engaging in intensive treatment or supportive group counselling for an ED.…”

The effect of pre-treatment psychoeducation on eating disorder pathology among patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa

“…Fairburn et al, 2003), particularly as Andrewes et al (1996) found no differences across diagnostic groups in terms of changes in knowledge following a computerised psychoeducational programme. Whilst exchanging information and sharing experiences can lead to an increased in sense of empowerment (Aardoom, Dingemans, Boogaard, & van Furth, 2014), it is possible that psychoeducation is not sufficient to address the core cognitive pathology of the eating disorders when the individual is starved and underweight. Other factors could include motivational level, limited early behavioural change, and the egosyntonic function of anorexia nervosa, each of which might mean that it is not viable to expect cognitive and attitudinal change among those with anorexia nervosa.…”