This article reports two qualitative studies that explored how religion and spirituality (R/S) influenced the treatment and recovery process of patients with eating disorder. In Study 1 and Study 2, a total of 83 women who had successfully completed treatment at an inpatient eating disorder treatment center responded to open-ended survey questions about the role of R/S in their recovery. Twelve of the women in Study 2 participated in follow-up phone interviews. Qualitative analysis of survey responses and interview transcripts indicated that although many women believed R/S contributed to the development and maintenance of their eating disorder, most of them also felt it was indispensable to their recovery. Several women believed R/S did not influence or negatively influenced their recovery. The findings from these qualitative studies indicate that some patients with eating disorders who have completed treatment believe that R/S can be powerful adjuncts in eating disorder treatment. The findings also provide rich insight into how R/S may assist in treatment and recovery.
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