StarvingforPerfect.com: a theoretically based content analysis of pro-eating disorder Web sites

Health Commun. 2006;20(3):243-53. doi: 10.1207/s15327027hc2003_4.

Abstract

Like traditional media, information on the World Wide Web may encourage both healthy and unhealthy behaviors. This study reports on the content analysis of a particular genre of Web site that promotes unhealthy behaviors: pro-eating disorder Web sites. Framed in message design theory, the results of this study indicate that messages on pro-eating disorder Web sites promote response efficacy in continuing disordered behaviors, but messages promoting severity and susceptibility to weight gain and self-efficacy were not common. Given the importance of combining response and self-efficacy messages for maximal effectiveness of messages, the pro-eating disorder sites may have limited effectiveness in effecting behavioral change among site visitors.

MeSH terms

  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / psychology*
  • Health Behavior
  • Health Education / methods*
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Self Efficacy
  • United States / epidemiology