2. 2
Table Of Contents
Problem Statement…………………….……………………………….………………………………………....3
Research Objectives……………………………………………………………………....…………....….....….4
Research Objectives & Rationales………………………….……………………………………....5-8
Advertising Objectives…………………………...………………………………..……………………..……...9
Advertising Objectives & Rationales…………………………………..………………………...10-15
Synopsis of Publics…………………………...……………………………………………………..…………..16
Primary Public: Young Women (14-20)………………………………………...………..17
Secondary Public: The Media…...…………………………...………………….………………17
Tertiary Public: Parents/Family/Educators…………..………………..………………18-19
Demographics of the Publics…………………………...……………………………………..……………..21
Psychographics of the Publics…………………………...…………………………….…………………….20
Snapshot…………………………...……………………………………………….……………………..………..22-23
Timeline…………………………...………………………………....……………………………………..……..24-28
Current Media Headlines………………………………………...………………………………..………....29-30
Researcher Bias
Researcher #1…………………………………...………………………………..……..………………36
Researcher#2……………………………………...………………………………..……….…..………36-37
Researcher #3…………………………………...…………………………………………..………..…37
Focus Group Questions………………………………...………………………………………………..…….38
Research Design…………………………………...………………………………..…………………….……..39-40
Quantitative Survey………………………………...………………………………..…………...….41-42
Part 1: Background Info……………………………...………………………………….………..…44
Part 2: Attitudes and Opinions……………………...………………………………..………..…44-45
Part 3: Comments………………………………………....………………………………..………....46
Conclusion……………………………...………………………………………………….…………..………..….47
Appendix: Secondary Research………………………………...………………………………..………....48-51
Works Cited……………………………………………………………...………………………………..………..52-54
3. 3
Problem Statement
This research examines websites and blogs related to the issue of Pro Ana (the
promotion of anorexic behavior), and studies its impact on young women between the ages of
14-20 while correlating these findings with mental health issues, self esteem, and the media
promotion of stereotypes around feminine beauty.
4. 4
Research Objectives
1. To understand the concept and origin of Pro Ana websites.
2. To examine the rise of the Pro Ana lifestyle and understand the reasons
behind its popularity.
3. To analyze the physical and psychological side effects of Pro Ana on
anorexics.
4. To uncover what may cause an individual to become anorexic.
5. 5
Research Objectives & Rationales
1. To understand the concept of Pro Ana and its origins.
What first started off as an underground movement to support attitudes opinions and
behaviours of anorexia nervosa. It must be noted that these website do not serve to provide
anorexics with a solution, rather, these individuals support the harmful eating patterns and
unachievable ideals that make anorexia one of the most deadly eating disorders among young
females (Futures, 2015). There are millions of individual connected to the Internet and social
media has become a tool for individuals to communicate, learn and share. Websites that
promote Pro Ana are on the rise. Pro Ana refers to the promotion of the eating disorder -
Anorexia Nervosa. In this fast-paced social media world, anorexia is not a disease but it is
considered a lifestyle.
“Type anorexia or bulimia into an Internet search engine and the results will typically
consist of help, information and support for people who are suffering from or know
someone who is suffering from an eating disorder. Type in "pro-anorexia", or "pro-
ana/pro-mia", and a very different picture emerges. With titles like Starving For
Perfection, Anorexic Nation, 2b-Thin and Totally in Control, pro-ana sites are the
antithesis of self-help websites for recovering anorexics. So much so that every site has a
disclaimer on the front page.” (Futures, 2015)
For example, the following was taken directly from a pro-ana website :
“This site does not encourage that you develop an eating disorder. This is a site for
those who ALREADY have an eating disorder and do not wish to go into recovery . If
you do not already have an eating disorder, better it is that you do not develop one
now. You may wish to leave.” (ana-by-choice.com, 2015).
6. 6
It is clearly expressed in the quote above that pro-ana sites are not for those who are in
recovery, regard themselves as victims, or even regard themselves as ill. Actually, anorexics are
defined as those who feel that feel that it is the right lifestyle choice for them and will allow
them to achieve happiness and perfection.
Although anorexia is seen in both sexes, research shows that it is more common amongst young
women. These young women also happen to be targets of a media and consumer culture where
“skinny” is beautiful, and celebrities like Kate Moss, heroin chic trend-setter, are glorified.
Many of these young women admire these celebrities and aspire to be just like them, in turn
influencing them to make unhealthy lifestyle choices. However, according to these pro-ana
followers and hosts, "A good Ana doesn't die":
"You may already know the difference between us rexies and anorexics! If u want
sympathy for your "disease", you are anorexic. If you want respect and admiration for
your lifestyle of choice, you are a rexie. Anorexics die. Rexies don't. Have we
understood the difference? This site is for us rexies, who are proud of our
accomplishments, and the accomplishments that lie ahead. we will never die." (Rexia-
World, 2014)
These young women share a common perception, that being that misusing anorexia as a means
of self-destruction is a misrepresentation of pro-ana and the forums. Meanwhile, these website
have been making headlines for many years. This research will explore the concept and origin
of Pro Ana websites.
2. To examine the rise of the Pro Ana lifestyle and understand the reasons
behind its popularity.
According to SIRC (Social Issues Research Centre) most of the Pro Ana forum visitors are not
interested in recovery. There are few places where an anorexic individual could openly share
their feelings and thoughts without distress. "It's a place where we can find like-minded
people," says 19-year-old Lizzy, a young woman from the San Francisco area who's created one
of the better-known "pro-ana" sites. "Most people don't understand what it's like: They see
7. 7
anorexia as a disease to be cured, but they don't realize that it's also a mental demon that you
have to deal with every day. At sites like mine, people can talk about what they're feeling
without being judged.(webmd) Pro Ana websites enable a sense of belongingness and support
their lifestyles by way of encouragement from other pro-anorexics (SIRC). Many anorexics find
themselves feeling isolated in this issue due to the fact that don’t feel comfortable sharing their
thoughts with anyone. Pro Ana websites present anorexics with an opportunity to communicate
with like-minded individuals, creating a sense of belongingness within a community, and
essentially fueling the lifestyle. The websites referred to as Pro-Ana websites promote anorexia
nervosa as a valid lifestyle choice. They essentially create a private, exclusive environment
where pro-anorexics thrive and others are unwelcome (Giles, 2006). “It’s like Dante’s circles of
hell,” explains Dr. Morgan. “The more private a site is, the more deviant, toxic practices it
advocates.” (Hunt, Gunter, Hicks 2013) This research will examine the rise of the Pro Ana
lifestyle and understand the reasons behind its popularity.
3. To analyze the physical and psychological side effects of Pro Ana on
anorexics.
The visible physical symptoms of anorexia are extreme weight loss and a pale looking skin.
Internal physical symptoms of the disorder include low blood pressure and heart murmurs.
Due to the lack of nutrients and electrolyte imbalance, frequent fainting is not uncommon
amongst anorexics. In some cases, bodily changes such as fine hairs known as lanugo appear in
all sorts of places as an adaptation to stay warm with little body fat. Furthermore, long term
starvation leads to severe complications, some irreversible. Amenorrhea, or loss of menstrual
periods in women, occurs when the body is severely underweight for an extended period of
time. These are some of the extreme symptoms a Pro Ana follower experiences. The exact cause
of eating disorders is still unclear. It is believed to result from a combination of biological,
social, and social factors. Anorexia has been seen to run in families. People with anorexia are
often perfectionists and overachievers. This goes hand in hand with the fact that anorexics
strive for perfection in terms of their body image. The death rate for anorexia is higher than for
any other psychiatric illness. (Smith, Segal, 2015)
8. 8
4. To uncover what may cause/ influence an individual to become
anorexic.
Eating disorders are complex conditions that arise from a combination of long-standing
behavioral, biological, emotional, psychological, interpersonal, and social factors. Scientists and
researchers are still learning about the underlying causes of these emotionally and physically
damaging conditions. We do know, however, about some of the general issues that can
contribute to the development of eating disorders. While eating disorders may first appear to
be solely about food and weight preoccupations, those suffering from them often try to use food
and the control of food to cope with feelings and emotions that may otherwise seem
overwhelming. For some, dieting, bingeing and purging may begin as a way to cope with
painful emotions and to feel in control of one’s life. Ultimately, though, these behaviors will
damage a person’s physical and emotional health, self-esteem and sense of competence and
control.
9. 9
Advertising Objectives
The importance of outlining the following advertising objectives is to help in educating and
rallying support of the increasingly visible social changes being seen in today’s relationships
due to Pro Ana.
1. To establish a stronger awareness of Pro Ana and its significance in the changing socio-
cultural environment of Canada.
2. To identify and change existing perceptions, biases and stereotypes held by advertisers
and those who actively support Pro Ana.
3. To generate interest, inquiry, and questions regarding Pro Ana and its
existence/purpose/mission.
4. To encourage a dialogue between advertisers and this segment of the
population.
5. To assess how companies are currently portraying Pro Ana in advertising by looking at
past advertisements and behavioural trends in advertising.
6. To understand if and how the (subliminal/indirect) use of Pro Ana in advertising can
increase brand identification and brand recognition amongst Canadians.
10. 10
Advertising Objectives & Rationales
The importance of outlining the following advertising objectives is to help in educating and
rallying support of the increasingly visible social changes being seen in today’s relationships
due to Pro Ana:
1. To establish stronger awareness of Pro Ana and its significance in the
changing socio-cultural environment of Canada.
By evaluating the effects of Pro Ana on society today and by exploring the awareness efforts
undertaken by various organizations and forums to portray the importance in the changing
cultural landscape and to encourage advertisers to discourage the use of Pro Ana lifestyle
models. “Public concern about the detrimental effects of health- and nutrition-related (HNR)
claims in food advertising has escalated over the past few decades (Jeffrey & French 1998;
Lobstein & Dibb 2005; Nestle 2007). The concern has generally centred on the association
between HNR claims in advertisements and commercials for food products of poor nutritional
quality (i.e. high in sugar, fat, sodium, calories, etc.; low in vitamins, minerals, etc.) and
unhealthy eating habits and resulting eating disorders (e.g. obesity, anorexia, bulimia nervosa),
especially among children, female adolescents and minority populations (e.g. Jeffery & French
1998; Nestle & Jacobson 2000; Brownell 2002; Drewnowski & Specter 2004; Drewnowski &
Darmon 2005; Henderson & Kelly 2005; Folta et al. 2006; Harker et al. 2007; Nestle 2007;
Abbatangelo-Gray et al. 2008; Bell et al. 2009; Culp et al. 2010; Flegal et al. 2010; Nicklas et
al. 2011; von Hippel & Trivers 2011).” ( International Journal of Advertising: Vol. 32, No. 4,
2013)
11. 11
2. To identify and change existing perceptions, biases and stereotypes held by
advertisers and those who actively support Pro Ana.
(http://lcweb.senecac.on.ca:2356/Content/ContentViewer.aspx?MasterContentRef=3226a498
-cd8a-43a2-b75c-3a1852bc2788&q=anorexia&CID=A92649&PUB=IJA)
12. 12
3. To generate interest, inquiry, and questions about Pro Ana and the
dynamics behind it.
13. 13
4. To encourage a dialogue between advertisers and this segment of the
population.
5. To assess how companies are currently portraying Pro Ana in advertising by
looking at past advertisements and behavioural trends in advertising.
Valuable information collected from investigating this objective can help determine if this trend
if effectively being addressed by advertisers. In addition, the following questions should be
asked, “Are other advertisers following this trend?” If advertising is inaccurately portraying
healthy body image, a corresponding decrease in sales may ensue. It is extremely important
that advertisers portray Pro Ana in a way that addresses the fact that Pro Ana is no valid
lifestyle and should not be encouraged. The media’s response to advertising acts as a
14. 14
barometer, indicating if the direction taken is correct. Newspaper articles, magazine spreads,
television, internet/social media, forums and blogs are the various forms of media that will be
providing a commentary on how Pro Ana is being used in advertising. Girls and young women
have been shown to be extremely influenced by mediated images showing exceptionally thin
female models, and have been led down destructive paths filled with low self-esteem, body
image dissatisfaction, anorexia, bulimia and depression (Becker & Hamburg 1996; Harrison &
Cantor 1997; Lavine et al. 1999; Field et al. 2001). Some advertisements even utilise a ‘too
fat/too thin/less than perfect’ approach. These ads try to ‘get consumers to change by making
them dissatisfied with how they look’ (Schimara & Miller 2006). Schimara and Miller (2006)
suggest that these types of ad are designed to sell products by convincing consumers they aren’t
satisfied with the way they look. Although the primary goal of such advertisements is ultimately
to increase sales of goods or services, the effects are not always limited to that. Kilbourne
(1999) argues that by reminding readers and viewers they aren’t matching up to the beauty
ideal presented in mediated images, advertisers contribute to the billion-dollar sales of health
and beauty products.
(http://lcweb.senecac.on.ca:2356/Content/ContentViewer.aspx?MasterContentRef=3226a498
-cd8a-43a2-b75c-3a1852bc2788&q=anorexia&CID=A92649&PUB=IJA)
6. To understand if and how the use of Pro Ana in advertising can increase
brand identification and brand recognition amongst Canadians.
Portrayal of unhealthy body image has become more and more visible in the major
urban centres across Canada. This is without a doubt a growing segment of the
population and, therefore requires attention immediately. Advertisers are taking
notice of this fact; they are slowly adapting their messages accordingly in an effort to
increase sales. How does this affect brand recognition? The type of brand recognition
can be positive and negative. Depending on how advertisers use body image in their
ads will largely determine if the response by the consumer will be beneficial to the
company and its products. A contributing cause of these self-destructive attitudes and
behaviours is what are argued to be the constantly surfacing unrealistic images of
15. 15
women. Women in advertisements are pervasively thinner and below average in weight
when compared to the average American woman. In reality, the average US woman is
5 feet and 4 inches and weighs 140 pounds. In contrast, the average US model is 5 feet
and 11 inches and weighs 117 pounds (Media and eating disorders 2006). Although
there are other factors aiding in the creation of ideal and unrealistic beauty, the mass
media seem to provide many examples of such and are believed to have enormous
influential power: ‘Most teenagers are sensitive to peer pressure and find it difficult to
resist or even to question the dominant cultural messages perpetuated and reinforced
by the media’ (Kilbourne 1999, p. 129). Specifically, advertising has been the focus the
majority of such research because of its perceived power: ‘Advertising is one of the
most potent messengers in a culture that can be toxic for girls’ self-esteem’, and the
advertisements contain ‘glossy images of flawlessly beautiful and extremely thin
women’ (Kilbourne 1999, pp. 131–132). Kilbourne (1999) recognises the negative power
that these images can have, noting their contribution to the development of eating
disorders as a result of a cultivated body hatred. She states that, ‘advertising does
promote abusing and abnormal attitudes about eating, drinking, and thinness’
(Kilbourne 1999 p. 135).
16. 16
Synopsis of Publics
Primary Target: Young women between the ages of 14-20
Secondary Target: The Media
Tertiary Target: Parents/Family/Educators
17. 17
Primary Public: Young Women 14-20
The primary purpose of this paper is to research the effects of the Pro Ana lifestyle on young
females between the ages of 14-20. Pro Anorexic behaviour may develop as early as 14 years of
age due to psychological, environmental and/or social factors (2014, WebMD). Research in the
area of body image distortion suggests the media are one of many potential variables related to
increases in disordered eating, especially in college and adolescent female women. The media
are often held partially responsible for young females’ desire to be extraordinarily thin because
of the number of media messages promoting the ‘thin ideal’
Young woman on the verge to anorexia visit the pro-ana websites and read the warning in those
sites (that the site is for anorexics only) and see it as a dare. These sites use celebrity images
and high graphics that appeal to this target, those most vulnerable to developing an eating
disorder (Boero and Pascoe, 2012). These young women who are pro-ana participants are so
weight conscious and often ended their posts with a set of weight signature which could display
various aspects of the participants weight. These include heavies weight, current weight, goal
weight, lowest weight and height. (Riley, Rodham & Gavin, 2009)
I weigh 114 right now, at 50400, and I want to weigh 104 or something like that ...I’m actually
proud of myself because I’ve gotten down to the bottom weight for my height on the FDA chart
(Extract 1, Pro-Ana)
In most of the pro-anorexia websites and online communities, these young woman separated
by age, lifestyle and location participate to share their goals, struggles, triumphs and failures in
living a pro-anorexic lifestyle. (Boero and Pascoe, 2012)
Secondary Public: The Media
The Secondary Public is the Arena of Media, In terms of the industry itself and how it promotes
Pro Ana and influences individuals to adapt to the Pro Ana culture. At least three decades
women have been in war with their bodies, not happy with their appearance and trying to lose
weight, they have taken extreme measures, going as far as denying to eat altogether. Media
18. 18
plays an important role in acting as a cultural gatekeeper, setting standards of beauty by the
models they choose. Studies of Prime Time Television shows that most of the programs are
dominated by thin body types and the thinness is associated with portraying a favourable
personality traits (Psychology Today, 1996)
Looking at the models, television personalities, actress and pop stars the image of adoration
and image of success for young women and teenagers and getting thinner, more of these young
women are resorting to starvation diets to try to have a body like them (Sudbury Star, 2000)
Media, New Media and Social Networking sites have a major influence in developing a pro-ana
culture among young woman. Some studies indicate that after viewing these sites women tend
to look at their body negatively. (Bardone-Cone and Cass, 2007) In part because these pro
anorexics describe their body more positively than the non pro anorexics (Boero and Pascoe,
2012). Subsequent research, particularly work on online dating, online gaming and cybersex
has shown that bodies play an important role on the internet on how people portray and
describe their body to make avatars and pictures or upload photographs. (Ardevol, 2005) The
media obsession with stick-thin supermodels was contributing to the rise in the number of
young women suffering from eating disorders. Painfully thin models are constantly used for
advertisement campaigns, ramp shows and fashion magazines to promote their products,
brands, fostering an unrealistic and for many young women, an unattainable physique. Models
Kate Moss and Jodi kidd may look stunning draped in the latest designer collections , but their
extremely skin body is creating a distorted image of the ideal body that insecure young woman
are trying to create (Sudbudy Star, 2000)
With all these compiled information on media and its influence on young woman, it is evident
that media plays a role as a secondary public to pro-ana. Although these supermodels and
celebrities act as the image of aspiration media plays a huge role in setting standards, bringing
it to the people encouraging and contributing to the pro ana trend.
19. 19
Tertiary Public: Parents/Family/Educators
Although media and supermodels being a major reason for the climbing rate of eating disorders
such as anorexia, studies also suggest that family history can hold a stronger influence. A study
by the American Journal of Psychiatry states that subjects were 11.4 times more likely to
develop an eating disorder if the family has had a history of Anorexia. (Psychology Today,
2000) Researches have proven that there is a correlation between controlling families and pro-
ana. Pushy parents have been around for centuries, but the eating disorder have become
prevalent and risen sharply in the past couple of decades. The increase in prevalence of pro-
ana could be because of the recent media portrayal of thinness as beauty. But if pushy parents
or family is saying, " you must be perfect, you must be thin"then that sort of coupled with the
media's portrayal and the societies message of body image can cause eating problems in young
women. (whfhhc, 2008). But the influences from family and parents can also be a broader host
of issues like the family dynamics, the personalities involved and the types of pushiness, media
portrayals and the messages the child hears from other influences and the predisposition of the
child.
22. 22
Snapshot
Pro Ana has definitely come a long way and is more prevalent in society now more than
ever. The fashion world, media and certain celebrities have brought this trend to the forefront.
Although now the media has taken a step towards promoting positive body image, “Skinny is
beautiful” is still very much alive and influencing woman all over the globe. Overweight women
are still being discriminated in fashion, television, movies and advertising.
Recently, well known magazine Teen Vogue has published an article “The Pro Ana Wars:
Why Thinspiration Continues To Infect Social Media.” The article states that “They may jump
from platform to platform, but these destructive communities aren't going anywhere.” (Teen
Vogue, 2013). Social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest and Tumblr are very popular
amongst females aged 14-20, Instagram has completely erased the hashtag #Thinspiration,
Typing in #thinspo on Tumblr brings up an automated message with information on
counseling services all over the world, along with hundreds of images of super skinny girls and
Pinterest recommends you contact the National Eating Disorders Association helpline (Teen
Vogue, 2013). A study conducted on Pro Anorexic communities by a Ph.D. candidate at Cornell
University states that "With a lot of the social media platforms being interconnected—you can
post a picture on Instagram that will simultaneously be posted on Facebook—it's a quick and
efficient way to reach out to a larger network of pro-ana groups," (Pamara Chang, 2013).
Kate Moss an internationally acclaimed British supermodel said “Nothing tastes as good
as skinny feels” in an interview in 2009 for Women’s Wear Daily, a fashion industry-trade
journal sometimes referred to as “The Fashion Bible”. This created negative buzz all over the
world and created huge backlash on Twitter. Pretzel Crisps an American snack company
created a huge blunder when they launched an ad campaign revolving around Pro Ana mantras
such as “You can never be too thin” and also quoting the famous super model Kate Moss
“Tastes as good as skinny feels” they were widely criticized for bringing this up again which
eventually led them to bring down all the ads. Companies and the media are understanding
more and more everyday that majority of consumers are no longer accepting that the ideal
woman is one that is super skinny, The Hudson’s Bay took down products quoting the British
supermodel (Jezebel, 2014).
23. 23
Big companies like Dove try to take a stand for positive body image and this is just a
start for the negative body image portrayal in media to change for the better. None the less Pro
Ana is far from being extinct due to popular fashion brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch. The
CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch said he does not want fat people wearing his clothes, he wants thin
and good looking people to walk into his stores and wear the brand. Big names in the fashion
industry such as Karl Lagerfeld, Tom Ford and Anna Wintour are also known to criticize fat
people (WBEZ.915, 2013).
The Takeaway
As with many other things in pop culture, body image and ideals are a
trend. Tina Fey wrote in Bossypants “Now every girl is expected to have
Caucasian blue eyes, full spanish lips, a classic button nose, hairless Asian skin
with a California tan, a Jamaican dance hall ass, long Swedish legs, small
Japanese feet, the abs of a lesbian gym owner, and the hips of a nine year old boy,
the arms of Michelle Obama, and doll tits”. (Fey, 2015)
The Hudson’s Bay received heaps of backlash for selling these t-shirts resulting in them having to take them
down.
24. 24
Anorexia Nervosa in History
Anorexia Nervosa was described for the first time in 1684, but it was not identified and
described until 1870 with its own diagnosis. The discovery of Anorexia Nervosa changed the
way people looked at medicines. It created a new way of seeing young women and changed the
perception of how society sees things. The history of Anorexia Nervosa is partly an effect of the
social structure in our society and also partly an effect of the culture we live in by.
29. 29
Current Media Headlines
The Star
March 10, 2015 How deep brain stimulation helped one woman fight
anorexia
CTV News
March 7, 2015 Deep brain stimulation offers treatment, hope for severe
anorexia patients
Huffingtonpost
March 3, 2015 Pro-Ana Has Changed Shape
Mirror UK
February 28, 2015 'Thinspiration selfies almost killed me': Anorexia survivor's
warning as Mirror investigation uncovers shocking secret world
Instagram
CBC News
February 24, 2015 Pro-anorexia, bulimia communities thriving online
13 News Now
February 12, 2015 Social media's dark side: promoting anorexia
Dailymail UK
August 3, 2014 Tragedy of girl who secretly browsed anorexia websites:
Mother's warning after suicide of teen with everything to live
for.
30. 30
CBC NEWS
March 31, 2014 Websites selling 'pro-ana' bracelets concern eating
disorder specialists
13 News Now
February 12, 2013 Social media is being used to promote anorexia
Huffingtonpost UK
November 30, 2012 The Websites That Tell You 'Thin Is In'
CBC RADIO
April 26, 2012 Banning pro-ana - Q with Jian Ghomeshi - CBC Radio
CBS News
March 28, 2012 Despite social media bans of "pro-ana" websites, pages persist
31. 31
Pro Ana in Media
Television and Films
A variety of films have been made about pro ana, anorexia and bulimia. There are many films
made on many other eating disorders as well. Here are a few television movies and films that
highlight the issue of pro ana.
1981 - "The Best Little Girl in the World"
Is a story about a young teenage girl who is suffering from anorexia nervosa, a mental and
physical illness of deliberately starving herself or self-induced vomiting, because of her
troubled school and home life. Casey's bickering parents must come together to help her before
the condition kills her. This television special was nominated for a Primetime Emmy.
1988 - "An Anorexic's Tale: The Brief Life of Catherine"
A movie based on a true story about Catherine Dunbar, who was a teenage girl who died after a
seven-year battle with anorexia nervosa.This award-winning Television movie stars Susie
Lindeman as Catherine. This movie was based on a book written by Catherine’s mother.
1989 - "The Karen Carpenter Story"
The Karen Carpenter Story, Starring Cynthia Gibb as Karen Carpenter. This television series
was nominated for a Primetime Emmy award. This movie recounts the sudden rise and fall of a
famous singer and shows her battle with anorexia nervosa.
1994 - "For the Love of Nancy"
In this television movie Tracey Gold stars as Nancy Walsh.. “Nancy enters college, she starts to
obsess about her weight, exercising all the time and eating very little. her parents ignore the
changes they see until later where a shocking moment reveals the extent of her problem. When
she doesn’t accept their attempts to help her, Nancy’s parents make a critical decision to force
her into treatment.” is the plot of the movie. (mademan, 2010)
32. 32
1995 - "301, 302"
This South Korean thriller stars Eun-jin Bang and Sin-Hye Hwang as two obsessive-
compulsives, a chef and an anorexic writer, are neighbors in an apartment building. The chef
(301) tries to entice her neighbor to eat with fabulous meals. The writer (302) refuses to eat,
and this refusal begins a turbulent relationship that forces both women to delve into their pasts
of torment.
1996 - "Dying to Be Perfect: the Ellen Hart Pena Story"
In this television biopic Crystal Bernard stars as Ellen Hart Pena. Pena was a world-class
athlete and the wife of a politician. But she also had a dangerous secret, an eating disorder that
almost claimed her life and threatened the life of her unborn child. This movie also portrays
how anorexia threatens both her dream of competing in the Olympics and her marriage to
Denver's mayor.
1996 - "When Friendship Kills"
This 1996 Television drama stars Katie Wright and Marley Shelton. When friends Lexi and
Jennifer try to get in shape, they become anorexic and bulimic through excessive dieting and
vomiting. They keep their obsession a secret until one of them almost dies.
1999 - "A Girl is a Girl"
This Canadian film is a comedy/drama about male-female relationships. Looking for the girl of
his dreams, a young man named Trevor (Andrew McIntyre) dates three women in quick
succession. The third one, Lisa (Aeryn Twidle) catches his eye. A former model wasting away
from anorexia, Lisa hates her body and is unable to get physical with Trevor.
1999 - "Girl, Interrupted"
This biography, drama is based on writer Susanna Kaysen's account of her 18-month stay at a
mental hospital in the 1960s. Brittany Murphy plays Daisy, a young patient in a mental
institution who suffers from anorexia.
2000 - "Dying to Be Thin"
33. 33
This NOVA documentary introduces us to individuals from all walks of life who have eating
disorders: dancers, gymnasts, students, sisters, daughters, friends. Examining the causes
behind, as well as the experience of, anorexics and bulimics today, this program also goes
behind the scenes in the research labs and medical facilities where possible treatments for these
debilitating illnesses are being studied.
2003 - "Hunger Point"
This 2003 television drama is based on a best-selling book by Jillian Medoff, this movie stars
Barbara Hershey as an overzealous mother trying to keep her daughters thin. The "Hunger
Point" profoundly captures the dangers of anorexia and other eating disorders. Through a
storyline where a family is pushed to its limits when one of the daughters' lives is blighted by an
eating disorder.
2006 - "Thin"
Thin is an award-winning documentary from 2006. Shelly Guillory, Alisa Williams, and Polly
Williams star as themselves in this film about four South Florida women suffering from
anorexia and bulimia. This documentary was nominated for a Primetime Emmy.
Documentaries
Bronte Cullis' Story
Bronte Cullis was the Melbourne teenager whose battle with anorexia captured the hearts of
Australians in a series of stories and documentaries by Ray Martin from the Nine Network.
Bronte doesn't have anorexia, our whole family has anorexia.' Bronte's parents were desperate.
They knew their daughter was about to die unless they did something drastic. They mortgaged
the family home, sold what they could and sent Bronte to the Montreux Clinic, an
unconventional eating disorder clinic half a world away in Canada. It was Bronte's last chance
at survival
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An Anorexic's Story
The documentary covers the story of a young girl Amy who suffers anorexia and the cry of the
mental illness, anorexia. The documentary also shows the challenges that she faces in her
family and society and the challenges her family faces at the breaking point.
Tears of Ana/Mia
A documentary based on the stories, emotions and thoughts shared by the victims of social
anxiety, depression and eating disorders. It was actually the filmmakers university. It was
originally created to create awareness on eating disorders.
Dying to be Anorexic
The view of the three young people who feature in this observational documentary is “Anorexia:
it's a lifestyle not a disease”. Part of the pro-anorexic world, they reject the idea of 'eating
disorders', instead choosing to celebrate them as a lifestyle choice.
For the first time this program investigates the underground network of pro-anorexic websites,
which encourage people to raise their condition to an almost cult like status. It tackles head-on
the extreme lifestyle of people with eating disorders, and it also looks into what motivates these
younger people to choose to live their lives in this way.
Dana, the Eight Year Old Anorexic
“Dana, the Eight Year Old Anorexic“ is a Channel 4 documentary that revolves around Dana, an
eight years old and anorexic. Cutting Edge follows Dana as she embarks on an intensive 12-
week programme at a specialist clinic, to examine why younger and younger children are
developing eating disorders.
Desperately Hungry Housewives
This is a BBC Documentary that focuses on Anorexia and eating disorders. This film claws back
eating disorders from teenagers with its stories of women who have it all including an
unhealthy relationship with food.
The Truth about Online Anorexia
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This is an anorexia documentary that was released in the year 2009 in the United Kingdom.
This documentary shows how young women log in to pro ana websites and adapt crash diets to
lose weight.. It also investigates the websites and displays how this lifestyle affects their health
and overall quality of life.
I'm a Child Anorexic
This BBC documentary follows the progress of a 12-year-old named Natasha and a 13-year-old
named Naomi through their treatment at Rhodes Farm, a residential clinic which treats
children with anorexia nervosa. Filmed over four months, the film intimately depicts their
painful struggle to overcome their obsessive relationship with food.
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Research Bias
Researcher #1:
Growing up in a digital era, I have experienced the influence of media in me and my
surroundings in altering social perceptions. We, as a generation have become so reliant on
media to get inspiration and influences from media personalities. Currently media and social
media influence young woman to perceive being super thin and skinny as the beauty standard
and influences men to perceive being well built as the norm in current society.
As someone who grew up with not so many friends, I relied on the internet as a source of
staying connected and which gave me the opportunity to be exposed to these websites and
media that influenced me towards changing my body image to the kind that's being portrayed
in the media. Today, I currently do not follow these websites or social media groups that would
influence me or the groups that would create or promote a typical body image and influence
young men to build their bodies or young woman to choose the pro ana lifestyle.
Furthermore, I have been influenced by websites and social media groups that promote
or influence these particular body image norms. This has influenced me to follow a strict diet
and starve to stay lean and work out to build and improve my body image.
Researcher #2
Much like any other person, I have my own unique experiences, which essentially make
me completely different than anyone else. I have my own set of values, morals, perspective,
beliefs (and all other subjective rationales), which set me apart from anyone else. Therefore, I
absolutely have my own bias, just as any other researcher would.
37. 37
Although I have studied psychology, and I consider myself to have a high emotional
intelligence (meaning I am more inclined to be able to recognize my own subjectivity/bias) I
recognize that there is really no way to truly avoid researcher bias 100%.
Perhaps humans started off as tabula rasa, (perhaps not). In any case, it’s difficult to
imagine being able to forget everything that’s ever happened to you at the flick of a switch so
that you can simply absorb information without your previous knowledge influencing the
conclusions you’d draw from your current situation.
Researcher #3
Growing up being bullied by friends and family for being overweight was something that
left a lifelong scar. Although I was never fat to a point where it is unhealthy and needs attention
immediately the people pointing it out made me feel just as bad as if it was life threatening.
Being part of a generation that is heavily reliant on social media and celebrity buzz, seeing
skinny beautiful women being advertised and showcased all the time created a fascination
within me about how they do it and whether someday I could do it too.
Now that I have seen the world a bit more, learned so much over the years and moreover
have the ability to differentiate between right and wrong, maturity made me realize that the
flipside to being super skinny is not as happy and glamorous as it seems.
The saying “beauty is in the eyes of the beholder” goes a long way. Being happy with
yourself is what makes you a beautiful person. Being kind to yourself and others bring out true
beauty. Torturing yourself to achieve something the media portrays to be beautiful is not real
beauty. My researcher bias lies with “Be what makes you happy don’t let society or media tell
you what should or would make you happy”
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Focus Group Questions
1) Do you know anything about the issues of anorexia?
2) Have you ever been involved or thought about going on a diet to alter your body image?
3) Has the media influenced you towards altering your body image?
4) What would your family or friends possibly say about anorexia/eating disorders?
5) What do you think causes anorexia?
6) How aware are you about this particular subject matter?
7) When you think of anorexia, what are some of the things that come to mind?
8) What would you say to someone if they told you they are anorexic?
9) Have you been exposed to anorexia/eating disorders in your workforce or educational
institute?
10) Do you think pro ana websites should be completely banned/illegal?
39. 39
Research Design
Due to limitations of time and budget a quantitative survey was written but not
implemented.
Primary Research Analysis
41. 41
Quantitative Survey
Part 1: Background Information
Please select the answer that is most appropriate to the questions:
1. Gender
a. Male
b. Female
2. Age
a. 14-17
b. 18-22
b. 22-26
c. 26-30
d. 30+
3. Education level
a. Elementary School
b. Some High School
c. High school diploma
d. Some college/university completed college or university
4. Income
a. Under 30K
b. 30-50K
c. 50-70K
d. 70-90K
42. 42
5. Diet?
a. Regularly
b. Sometimes
c. Not at all
6. Employed / School?
a. Full-time
b. Part-time
c. Seasonal
d. Unemployed
7. Work hours per week
a. Under 12
b. 12-17
c. 17-20
d. 20
8. Hour per week on social media
a. Under 5
b. 5-7
c. 7-10
d. 10-15
e. Over 15
9. Ethnicity ___________________
10. How many pro-ana blogs or websites you follow?
a. 1
b. 2
c. 3
d. 4
e. over 4
43. 43
11. How many years have you been following pro-ana websites?
a. 1
b. 2
c. 3
d. 4
e. over 4
44. 44
Part 2: Attitudes and Opinions
Please answer the following questions indicating whether you:
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly Agree Agree Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree
Anorexia has not affected my relationships with others:
1 2 3 4 5
There should be stronger laws on pro-ana websites:
1 2 3 4 5
Pro-ana has had a large impact on my life:
1 2 3 4 5
Being pro-anorexic have been positive:
1 2 3 4 5
My parent’s do not affect my opinions on being pro-anorexic:
1 2 3 4 5
I would like to "Thinspire" and be "Thinspired":
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1 2 3 4 5
I do not get influenced by the media's portrayal of body image:
1 2 3 4 5
Presently, I follow at least one pro-ana website:
1 2 3 4 5
46. 46
Part 3: Comments
What impact, if any, has pro-ana had on your relationships with others?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
What impact, has media affected or influenced opinions on body image?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
In general, how u feel about pro-ana?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Do you believe that pro-ana website has an effect in luring children towards this
lifestyle?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
47. 47
Conclusion
Pro-ana and its effects are hard for people involved; Pro-ana blogs and websites are multiplying
and directly affecting the younger generation to follow the body image lifestyle of being
"thinspired". The media's portrayal of fashion and trend, by always using bony and skinny
models and portraying their image as the younger generations role model has been growing in
recent years. Television and Films have a major influence on these young generations and this
also leads them to seek information online to alter their body image and end up spending a lot
of their time in these pro-ana blogs and websites.
These websites not only cater information to these young women who look to alter their image,
but also lure them towards a lifestyle that would be self destructive. Social Media and content
sharing these days have also changed how information is shared and received. This also results
in pro-ana growing and influencing peers of anorexics and luring more younger people into this
culture of body image altering that could result in malnutrition or even long term
hospitalisation.
This research paper examines the topic and gives insight into the actuality of pro ana and the
effects of pro ana blogs and influence it has on today’s youth. It has been shown that there are
different reactions and responses from the age of the child experiencing anorexia, ranging from
anxiety and grief to aggression. No matter what age, anorexia will have an effect somehow on a
person’s life. And the blogs and websites are promoting this negative effects by fast influencing
young people in the society.
We get influenced a lot by media and learn a lot from advertising and the media, as they
inevitably are key influencers of our society. Perhaps the media should be presenting people
from all walks of life and stop promoting this skinny body image culture. By doing so will
diminish the perception of having a
“perfect / skinny” body and avoid the negative perception of being skinny as being perfect. By
doing this peoples perceptions can be changed and redefine the society's view as being yourself
is more perfect than being skinny.
48. 48
Secondary Research
"Starvation on the Web", written by Sora Song, is very useful and important to this research
report on the effects of Pro Ana websites on people. In this report the author, Sora writes about
a 19 year old college student named Lizzy and how her lifestyle choice to a "decision to pursue
perfection" had made her end up in the hospital, her weight dropped to 88 lbs and her heart
rate has gone down to 45 beats per minute. The author also quotes Lizzy's statements on her
website like "I was surrounded by the skinniest people I had ever seen." (Song.S, 2005)
The author also analyses the websites, message boards and weblogs where fellow pro-ana, pro-
mia and people with other eating disorders stay connected for companionship and
support(Song.S, 2005). The author also writes that in the pro ana websites and blogs girls
almost as young as 10 participate and share tips for losing weight and to hide any symptoms of
malnutrition (For example: use nail growth polish to keep nails from becoming brittle) and the
author also explains that they add and share pictures of bony fashion models for their
"thinspiration". (Song.S, 2005)
The article also explains how almost an estimated 11 million Americans are suffering from
anorexia or bulimia would visit those blogs and webpages. The creator of "Cerulean Butterfly"
website, Lizzy says her website had more than 85,000 hits in 2005 since its launch in
2003.(Song.S, 2005) A survey conducted among adolescent anorexics and their parents by the
Stanford University of Medicine found that almost 39 % of these kids were visiting pro ana
blogs, websites or forums. (Song.S, 2005)
The adolescents and teens in Peebles' and Wilson's study shows that they visited pro-ana
websites actually ended up to do so without their parents knowledge and, compared with their
friends and peers who did not visit these blogs and webpages. These anorexic patients spend an
extraordinary amount of time and energy creating and visiting these websites and
blogs.(Song.S, 2005) Lizzy says that the mission of her website is to provide support to existing
people with eating disorders and not to actually promote or encourage any self-destructive
behaviour (Song.S, 2005)
49. 49
Although this article shows the negatives influences of those websites, it is not sure if more
inspiring pro-recovery sites could reach young teens and adolescents like Lizzy is a huge
question. "The anorexic voice inside my head," Lizzy says, "seems to be winning." (Song.S,
2005)
52. 52
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