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# How Can We Help You?: An Instagram-Based Online Self-Help for Eating Disorders

Author

Listed:
  • Gaia Albano

    (Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy)

  • Gianluca Lo Coco

    (Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy)

  • Arianna Teti

    (Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy)

  • Mariarita Semola

    (Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy)

  • Federica Valenti

    (Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy)

  • Chiara Destro Pastizzaro

    (Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy)

  • Debora Mignosi

    (Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy)

  • Salvatore Gullo

    (Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy)

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in online self-help treatments and peer-support programs for eating disorders. The possibility of easily accessing them anytime makes these programs an important support tool and an influencing source for increasing motivation to change. The aim of this work is to describe the # How can we help you? project, its initial feedback received from users, and its future directions. Researchers and clinicians developed an Instagram profile ( Dicci Come Aiutarti) based on psychoeducation, aimed at orienting those suffering from a self-reported eating disorder towards clinical care, providing information about eating concerns and related constructs, and increasing motivation for treatment and illness awareness. The contents shared are based on narratives about people who had recovered from an eating disorder, importance and ability to change, and nutrition management. We have provided an overview of the needs of the Instagram profile users, a description of the main interactions recorded since the profile was opened, and examples of the unmet needs shared by users in direct messages. Future directions of the project concern the definition and formalization of the type of support provided by developing a psychoeducational and integrated program and also, the formulation of a research protocol able to assess the usability, effectiveness, and satisfaction of the Instagram profile.

Suggested Citation

  • Gaia Albano & Gianluca Lo Coco & Arianna Teti & Mariarita Semola & Federica Valenti & Chiara Destro Pastizzaro & Debora Mignosi & Salvatore Gullo, 2023. "# How Can We Help You?: An Instagram-Based Online Self-Help for Eating Disorders," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-10, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:3:p:2389-:d:1049783
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