title: A Meta-Analysis Examining the Influence of Pro-Eating Disorder Websites on Body Image and Eating Pathology.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Counseling and Applied Educational Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.|Laboratoire de Stress Traumatique, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France.
authors.forename: Rachel F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Rodgers
authors.affiliation: Department of Counseling and Applied Educational Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Alice S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Lowy
authors.affiliation: Department of Counseling and Applied Educational Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Daniella M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Halperin
authors.affiliation: Department of Counseling and Applied Educational Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Debra L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Franko
mesh_terms: D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology*; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet
keywords: Internet; meta-analysis; pro-ana; pro-eating disorders; systematic review