A Content Analysis of Popular Magazine Articles on Eating Disorders

This study tested two hypotheses about popular magazine articles on eating disorders: (a) anorexics would be profiled more often than bulimics due to their conformity to the thin beauty ideal projected in the Western media, and (b) disordered behaviors used to achieve weight loss would be mentioned more often than their physical consequences. Forty-two popular magazine articles on eating disorders published in the last five years were coded for illness type, mention of weight loss, disordered behaviors, and health impacts. The findings confirmed both hypotheses.

Notes

Murray, B. (March, 2002). Partners in illness: Patients trading thinness tips. Monitor on Psychology, 42–43