Center against Child Trafficking and Human Trafficking, Capelle aan den IJssel, The Netherlands.
Institute of Criminal Law and Criminology, Leiden Law School, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Int J Eat Disord. 2024 Jan;57(1):124-131. doi: 10.1002/eat.24074. Epub 2023 Oct 31.
While studies have focused on pro-ana communities and pro-anorexia websites, no research has been conducted on the presence of pro-anorexia coaches within these communities. This study aimed to gain insight into the modus operandi of pro-anorexia coaches.
First, three fake profiles were used to attempt interaction with pro-anorexia coaches (n = 31). Second, an online questionnaire on experiences with pro-anorexia coaches was completed by 79 respondents. Third, a follow-up in-depth interview was conducted with 14 of these respondents.
The results show that pro-anorexia coaches' behavior fits a five-staged model which has similarities to stages of online grooming. They focus on (1) building trust and developing a dependency relationship with the aim of (2) obtaining sexually explicit materials. Subsequently, they (3) increase pressure, (4) utilize blackmail methods with acquired content, and (5) groom respondents to meet in person.
Pro-anorexia coaches deliberately abuse vulnerable young people who suffer from eating disorders to receive sexually explicit material or to meet face-to-face with a sexual intention. This study shows that the modus operandi of pro-ana coaches is similar to online grooming. Clinical professionals need to be aware of this practice to detect victims and potential victims in order to support and treat them. Prevention is invaluable to further combat pro-anorexia coaches and protect potential victims.
Individuals with an eating disorder are avid internet users. A minority frequent pro-anorexia websites and fora seeking help in losing weight. This study showed that pro-anorexia coaches prey on these individuals, often to obtain sexually explicit content. The modus operandi of pro-anorexia coaches shows similarities to online grooming. Awareness of this phenomenon and the way in which pro-anorexia coaches operate is valuable for clinicians, parents, and teachers.
虽然已有研究关注了赞成厌食症的群体和赞成厌食症的网站，但目前还没有研究针对这些群体中赞成厌食症的教练的存在情况。本研究旨在深入了解赞成厌食症教练的运作模式。
首先，使用三个虚假的个人资料尝试与赞成厌食症的教练进行互动（n=31）。其次，由 79 名受访者完成了一份关于与赞成厌食症教练经历的在线问卷。第三，对其中的 14 名受访者进行了后续的深入访谈。
研究结果表明，赞成厌食症教练的行为符合一个五阶段模式，与网络诱拐的阶段有相似之处。他们专注于：（1）建立信任和发展依赖关系，目的是（2）获取色情材料。随后，他们（3）增加压力，（4）利用获得的内容进行勒索，（5）培养受访者亲自见面。
赞成厌食症的教练故意滥用患有饮食失调症的脆弱年轻人，以获取色情材料或出于性目的与他们见面。本研究表明，赞成厌食症教练的运作模式与网络诱拐相似。临床专业人员需要意识到这一行为，以便发现受害者和潜在受害者，从而为他们提供支持和治疗。预防是打击赞成厌食症教练和保护潜在受害者的宝贵手段。
患有饮食失调症的人是热衷于互联网的用户。少数人经常访问赞成厌食症的网站和论坛，寻求减肥的帮助。本研究表明，赞成厌食症的教练会捕食这些人，通常是为了获取色情内容。赞成厌食症教练的运作模式与网络诱拐相似。了解这种现象及其运作方式对临床医生、家长和教师都具有重要价值。
