Digital Identity: The Pro Ana / Pro Mia Trend

Understanding the role of digital media in the formation of youthful identities is extremely important when working with adolescents and young adults with eating disorders. The growth of the Pro Ana/ProMia movements on the internet has coincided with more individuals claiming their eating disorder as their identity. Individuals are hosting, chatting, and even creating video diaries claiming that this is their “lifestyle.” This workshop will explore these movements and provide up-to-date research on the impact of Pro Ana/Pro Mia websites. A treatment approach will be presented to assist parents and professionals to best respond to this growing trend.