Taylor Swift may be helping her fans overcome eating disorders, according to a new study. Researchers claim fans’ ‘parasocial’ relationship with the popstar combined with her openness about eating disorders created this effect. Swift has often spoken about her issues with body image and encouraged fans to feel good about their own bodies, saying beauty standards are “impossible.” “To hear that Taylor had the same thoughts and the same problems as me and so many other people, was so validating and so inspiring…I can honestly say if I didn’t have her inspiration I wouldn’t be where I am today, I wouldn’t be in recovery,” said one fan. Previous findings suggest that celebrities and media coverage about their bodies can trigger body image issues and eating disorders, especially in young women.
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