Meta-synthesis reveals the complexities of pro-Ana communities, suggesting clinicians engage openly with clients about digital impacts.
Participants' experiences in pro-Ana communities relate to concepts on offline stigmatization, fundamental needs for belonging, and the inherent ambivalence toward the online community-balancing the pursuit of emotional support with the risks of indirect digital self-harming. Helpers and clinicians are recommended to directly engage with clients regarding their digital activities and associated risks, including engagement in pro-Ana, with openness and respect to mitigate feelings of shame and guilt.
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Stänicke et al. (2026) studied this question.
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