Of course, blanketing all pro-ana sites with the "cult" label is presumptuous. So I looked up a checklist of cult behaviors. Comparing these factors (which I've paraphrased for brevity) to the dynamics of those in "pro-ana nation" reveals troubling parallels:
- The group is excessively committed to its leader. Whatever the leader says goes.
There's no human leader manipulating pro-eating disorder people. In fact, those with anorexia are particularly independent and resist being led. But the messages the eating disorder brings are powerful. It almost always gets what it wants.
- Mind-altering practices suppress doubts about the group and its leader.
Both restriction and the binge/purge cycle alter the mind. Chemical balance in the body changes and makes clear thought much more difficult.
- The group is elitist, claiming a special status and purpose.
This one's only partially applicable. Those with anorexia do feel quite special and powerful (while appearing very humble). However, I can't identify some lofty larger purpose for the group.
- The group has an us-versus-them mentality, which may cause conflict with society.
It occurs in families and also in larger groups. The eating disorder feels like the only way to live, so those who disagree seem to threaten life.
- The leader is not accountable to any authorities.
If the eating disorder is the "leader," this applies. It can't be governed by anyone.
- The group implies that its ends justify whatever means necessary.
Try to force a person with bulimia to stop binging and purging, and you'll be amazed at how intense the fight will be.
- The leadership induces feelings of shame and/or guilt in order to influence and/or control members. Often, this is done through peer pressure and subtle persuasion.
Shame is the chief emotion underlying eating disorders. And some of the internal "persuasion" is not so subtle.
- Being a member requires cutting ties with family and friends, and radically altering the goals and activities they had before joining.
There's no "requirement," but the ties are cut just the same.
- Members are encouraged or required to live and/or socialize only with other group members.
The eating disorder whispers, "No one else will understand."
- The most loyal members believe that there is no life outside the group.
Those who consider recovering think precisely these thoughts. It's the eating disorder or nothing.
Yet with all the similarities between pro-eating disorder groups and cults, there are also notable differences. Here are some cult behaviors that don't seem to apply:
- The group is preoccupied with bringing in new members.
This might be debatable, since young people are especially likely to learn about eating disorders from their friends and acquaintances (and family, for that matter). But there's no "membership drive" or requirement for growth as it exists in some cults.
- The group is preoccupied with making money.
Realistically, participation in the group takes away time that might be otherwise spent on making income. And nobody's getting paid; mainstream advertisers aren't looking to pro-ana sites as opportunities.
- Members are expected to devote inordinate amounts of time to the group and group-related activities.
It's not likely that someone would complain that a forum visitor just isn't spending enough time in disordered eating. Actually, there's no need: Eating disorders suck up huge amounts of time with or without encouragement from others.
It's unfair simply to dismiss "pro-ana nation" as a cult. Besides being inaccurate, it's an inflammatory term that may strengthen the will of those with eating disorders to stay on their current courses. It also makes it easier to forget that each person in the group is unique and that there are reasons that each eating disorder started, some of which are very painful.
But while pro-eating disorder sites may not be cults, it's naive to ignore the similarities. These parallels extend into the sometimes gut-wrenching process of moving on.
It takes resources for a person to leave a cult. There must be many voices saying what's true to counteract the cult's messages. In some cases, a person wanting to leave will need physical protection. And when life outside gets confusing, it's common for ex-cult members to be drawn back toward the situations they left. Cults eliminate a lot of choices that those who are free make routinely.
For those who wish to recover from eating disorders, multiple treatment providers are the many truthful voices. Physical "protection" is required in the form of medical support as the body reacts to more normal eating patterns. And just as cult members need support from healthy people to expand their horizons and leave behind what endangered them, those with eating disorders need solid emotional connections to avoid relapse and look forward, rather than returning to the past. Those who view pro-ana sites for "emotional support" should know that they can receive a more healthy, genuine brand of that support in the process of recovery.
Sources:
Csipke, Emese and Horne, Outi. Pro-eating disorder websites: Users’ opinions. European Eating Disorders Review 15 (2007): 196-206.
Lalich, Janja and Langone, Michael D. Characteristics Associated with Cultic Groups - Revised. International Cultic Studies Association. Accessed 2 February 2008.
