Engagement With Clean-Eating Hashtags, Orthorexia Nervosa, and the Sense of Self on Instagram a Mixed Methods Study

This mixed methods study, which was conducted in partial fulfilment of a Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology, aims to explore the relationship between those who self-identify as having orthorexia nervosa (ON) and their engagement with clean-eating hashtags, as well as any impact on their sense of self. The quantitative component (n = 104) aims to explore the relationship between Instagram’s clean-eating hashtags and ON symptoms. The qualitative component (n = 8) aims to understand how individuals experienced their sense of self whilst using Instagram. A correlation between higher engagement with Instagram clean-eating hashtags and ON symptoms was found. Respondents described the negative impact of Instagram on their sense of self (self-worth and self-esteem) and engaging in behaviours and cognitive processes to help regulate their sense of self-worth through Instagram. A sense of meaning and purpose was attributed to their ON and Instagram usage and a recognition of repeating negative cycles which have a detrimental impact on their sense of self. Most participants found their ON distressing but feared and resisted change, preferring to disengage from certain Instagram behaviours. The findings of the study suggest the widening of the application of CBT-E and MBT within the field of ON as suitable clinical approaches.