Communicating about eating disorders online

Name of researchers: Dr Tamsin Parnell, Professor Heike Bartel

Affiliation: University of Nottingham

Email address: Tamsin.Parnell2@nottingham.ac.uk

Who can take part?

You can take part in this study if you are:

• Aged 16-25
• Living in the UK

and

• Have experience of eating disorder(s) or disordered eating behaviours, whether you have a diagnosis or not.

We would like to hear from people with diverse experiences. You might relate to the following:

• You have been worried about money or have experienced poverty.
• You identify as culturally or ethnically diverse.
• You live or have lived in a rural area.
• You feel that your gender isn’t well-represented in conversations about eating disorders.

What is the purpose of the research?

Through this research we would like to understand how young people (aged 16-25) communicate about their disordered eating experiences on social media. We are interested to hear from all young people but would especially like to learn more from groups that are underrepresented in research. This includes young people from ethnically and culturally diverse groups; young people who are LGBTQ+; or young people impacted by resource insecurity (e.g., poverty/ cost of living); and young people living rurally. Sharing your experiences will contribute to understanding the role that social media plays in experiences of eating disorders and will help to shape support for young people in the future.

What does the study involve?

Participating in this study will involve:

• Completing a consent form (with confirmation that you have informed your parent/carer/guardian if you are aged 16 or 17)
• An online interview of 45-60 minutes
• Sharing and discussing some social media posts you have made (if you feel comfortable).

How can someone take part?

Please fill out the expression of interest form or email Tamsin.Parnell2@nottingham.ac.uk for more information.