Identifier: TFG:2269
Authors: Navarro García, Antonia
Abstract:
Introduction: eating disorders have increased their prevalence in the last few years, with risk groups being adolescent and young women between 12 and 21 years old. Its complex etiology and psychiatric comorbidity represent a challenge for health professionals. Furthermore, social media networks are shaping the new way of communication among the young population and it can expose them to situations that are detrimental to their mental health. Objectives: to know the impact that social media networks have on young people between the ages of 12 and 25 years old affected by an eating disorder. Methods: a literature review between the months of October 2018 and January 2019 in the main databases of health sciences was made, using the descriptors: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, social media networks, eating disorders, or TNA. A descriptive observational study was performed during the first four weeks of March 2019 where we explored the content of various profiles on Instagram, Tumblr and Pinterest included under the labels Thinspiration, Fitspiration, Proana, Promia, Thinspo and Skinny. Results: Online subcultures such as pro-ana and pro-mia communities spread an apologetic message towards having an eating disorder and turning them into a healthy lifestyle choice, have increased their presence in the most popular social media sites. The exposure to online content that encourages the pursuit of a thin ideal as a synonym of beauty, success and wellness, is related to a higher rate of body dissatisfaction, anxiety, depression and risky behaviors that can trigger the appearance of an eating disorder. Conclusions: from a nursing perspective, prevention and education for health are our best allies to raise awareness of the seriousness and importance of TNA, facilitate early diagnosis and improve treatment.
Repositori URV