Pro‐Ana—Balancing a Digital Safe Space and Indirect Self‐Harming. Findings From a Meta‐Synthesis

Participants' experiences in pro-Ana communities relate to concepts on offline stigmatization, fundamental needs for belonging, and the inherent ambivalence toward the online community-balancing the pursuit of emotional support with the risks of indirect digital self-harming. Helpers and clinicians are recommended to directly engage with clients regarding their digital activities and associated risks, including engagement in pro-Ana, with openness and respect to mitigate feelings of shame and guilt.