Social media, eating disorders and recovery

PhD Thesis


Beardwood, J. 2019. Social media, eating disorders and recovery. PhD Thesis Canterbury Christ Church University Salomons Centre for Applied Psychology
AuthorsBeardwood, J.
TypePhD Thesis
Qualification nameDClinPsychol
Abstract

Social media use is rapidly increasing; whilst the dangers of using social media have been highlighted by previous research, less attention has been paid to the positive influences of social media. This study aimed to explore experiences of using social media in people recovering from an eating disorder (ED). Objectives were to understand how people with EDs use social media in relation to their ED and recovery, and the perceived helpful and unhelpful aspects of using social media during their recovery. In depth interviews with 15 adults (aged 19-40) recovering from an ED were thematically analysed. Participants also shared examples of social media posts that were helpful and less helpful in their recovery, which were included in the thematic analysis. Four key themes were identified: motivating recovery, a supportive space to share and be open, maintains difficulties, and navigating social media. Participants’ social media use appeared to change dependent on their motivations, needs, and stages of recovery. Findings have important implications for clinical practice, working alongside, not against, social media use in those with EDs. Further research is needed in order to greater understand the role social media plays during the recovery process.

KeywordsSocial media; eating disorder; anorexia nervosa; bulimia nervosa; recovery
Year2019
Supplemental file
File Access Level
Restricted
Publication process dates
Deposited26 Sep 2019
SubmittedSep 2019
Output statusUnpublished
Accepted author manuscript
File Access Level
Open
Permalink -

https://repository.canterbury.ac.uk/item/890zv/social-media-eating-disorders-and-recovery

Download files


Accepted author manuscript
Jennifer_Beardwood_MRP_2019.pdf
File access level: Open

  • 711
    total views
  • 625
    total downloads
  • 7
    views this month
  • 4
    downloads this month

Export as