Pro‐anorexia coaches prey on individuals with eating disorders.
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| Title: | Pro‐anorexia coaches prey on individuals with eating disorders. |
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| Authors: | Simons, E. I., Noteboom, F., van Furth, E. F. |
| Source: | International Journal of Eating Disorders. Jan2024, Vol. 57 Issue 1, p124-131. 8p. |
| Subjects: | Risk-taking behavior, Sex offenders, Internet, Pornography, Human sexuality, Social media, Social networks, Personal grooming, Interviewing, Crime, Crime victims, Sex crimes, Questionnaires, Interpersonal relations, At-risk people, Sex customs, Weight loss, Communication, Health, Information resources, Anorexia nervosa, Eating disorders, Trust, World Wide Web, Psychosocial factors |
| Abstract: | Objective: While studies have focused on pro‐ana communities and pro‐anorexia websites, no research has been conducted on the presence of pro‐anorexia coaches within these communities. This study aimed to gain insight into the modus operandi of pro‐anorexia coaches. Method: First, three fake profiles were used to attempt interaction with pro‐anorexia coaches (n = 31). Second, an online questionnaire on experiences with pro‐anorexia coaches was completed by 79 respondents. Third, a follow‐up in‐depth interview was conducted with 14 of these respondents. Results: The results show that pro‐anorexia coaches' behavior fits a five‐staged model which has similarities to stages of online grooming. They focus on (1) building trust and developing a dependency relationship with the aim of (2) obtaining sexually explicit materials. Subsequently, they (3) increase pressure, (4) utilize blackmail methods with acquired content, and (5) groom respondents to meet in person. Discussion: Pro‐anorexia coaches deliberately abuse vulnerable young people who suffer from eating disorders to receive sexually explicit material or to meet face‐to‐face with a sexual intention. This study shows that the modus operandi of pro‐ana coaches is similar to online grooming. Clinical professionals need to be aware of this practice to detect victims and potential victims in order to support and treat them. Prevention is invaluable to further combat pro‐anorexia coaches and protect potential victims. Public Significance: Individuals with an eating disorder are avid internet users. A minority frequent pro‐anorexia websites and fora seeking help in losing weight. This study showed that pro‐anorexia coaches prey on these individuals, often to obtain sexually explicit content. The modus operandi of pro‐anorexia coaches shows similarities to online grooming. Awareness of this phenomenon and the way in which pro‐anorexia coaches operate is valuable for clinicians, parents, and teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | Objective: While studies have focused on pro‐ana communities and pro‐anorexia websites, no research has been conducted on the presence of pro‐anorexia coaches within these communities. This study aimed to gain insight into the modus operandi of pro‐anorexia coaches. Method: First, three fake profiles were used to attempt interaction with pro‐anorexia coaches (n = 31). Second, an online questionnaire on experiences with pro‐anorexia coaches was completed by 79 respondents. Third, a follow‐up in‐depth interview was conducted with 14 of these respondents. Results: The results show that pro‐anorexia coaches' behavior fits a five‐staged model which has similarities to stages of online grooming. They focus on (1) building trust and developing a dependency relationship with the aim of (2) obtaining sexually explicit materials. Subsequently, they (3) increase pressure, (4) utilize blackmail methods with acquired content, and (5) groom respondents to meet in person. Discussion: Pro‐anorexia coaches deliberately abuse vulnerable young people who suffer from eating disorders to receive sexually explicit material or to meet face‐to‐face with a sexual intention. This study shows that the modus operandi of pro‐ana coaches is similar to online grooming. Clinical professionals need to be aware of this practice to detect victims and potential victims in order to support and treat them. Prevention is invaluable to further combat pro‐anorexia coaches and protect potential victims. Public Significance: Individuals with an eating disorder are avid internet users. A minority frequent pro‐anorexia websites and fora seeking help in losing weight. This study showed that pro‐anorexia coaches prey on these individuals, often to obtain sexually explicit content. The modus operandi of pro‐anorexia coaches shows similarities to online grooming. Awareness of this phenomenon and the way in which pro‐anorexia coaches operate is valuable for clinicians, parents, and teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 02763478 |
| DOI: | 10.1002/eat.24074 |
