title: Internet and patient empowerment in individuals with symptoms of an eating disorder: a cross-sectional investigation of a pro-recovery focused e-community.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Many individuals with eating disorder problems seek information and support online. There are however numerous websites that promote eating disordered behaviors. The website and e-community 'Proud2Bme' was developed as a healthy alternative for pro-eating disorder websites, providing a safe, positive, and pro-recovery focused environment. It offers a wide array of information and personal stories, as well as platforms for interaction such as a forum and chat. The first aim of this study was to investigate whether, and to what extent, empowering processes and outcomes are experienced by participants on Proud2Bme. The second aim was to examine correlates of empowering processes and outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants (n=311) were recruited via an online survey on Proud2Bme. Correlations were examined and T-tests and ANOVAs were conducted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Exchanging information, finding recognition, and sharing experiences were the empowering processes most often reported by participants. The most pronounced empowering outcome was feeling better informed. To a smaller degree, increased help-seeking behavior, increased optimism and control over the future, and increased confidence in treatment and the relationship with the therapist were reported. Lower levels of general empowerment, younger age, and more interactive usage patterns of the website were positively associated with the experience of empowering processes and outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Offering a platform where individuals can share their experiences and find recognition might be one of the most important ingredients for successful e-health initiatives aimed at improving patient empowerment. Moreover, in the field of eating disorders specifically, such initiatives offer a healthy alternative to the harmful and negative effects of pro-eating disorder websites.
authors: Center for Eating Disorders 'Ursula', P.O. Box 422, 2260 AK Leidschendam, The Netherlands. Electronic address: J.Aardoom@centrumeetstoornissen.nl.
authors: Jiska J
authors: JJ
authors: Aardoom
authors: Center for Eating Disorders 'Ursula', P.O. Box 422, 2260 AK Leidschendam, The Netherlands.
authors: Alexandra E
authors: AE
authors: Dingemans
authors: Center for Eating Disorders 'Ursula', P.O. Box 422, 2260 AK Leidschendam, The Netherlands.
authors: Laura H
authors: LH
authors: Boogaard
authors: Center for Eating Disorders 'Ursula', P.O. Box 422, 2260 AK Leidschendam, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Postbox 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands.
authors: Eric F
authors: EF
authors: Van Furth
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D063868:Patient Outcome Assessment; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: E-community; E-health; Eating disorders; Online support group; Patient empowerment