LAUSR

Social media applications, known colloquially as “apps,” have quickly impacted the lives of young adults. There is evidence to support that suicide risk and social media use are correlated, which is of particular concern for individuals who struggle with body image, body dysmorphia, and eating disorders. These populations are already at a higher-risk for self-injurious behaviors and thoughts of suicide. In the treatment of eating disorders among emerging adults, known as Millennials, clinicians can feel disconnected to their clients when discussing and intervening in these new socialization structures that demand “perfection”. Understanding this population and its unique subset of challenges is essential in the digital age. This paper will explore common risk factors that precipitate eating disorder symptomology among this cohort, as well as offer a new perspective on treating the emerging adult population utilizing a values-based approach derived from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).