Body image dissatisfaction is common in patients with IBD, relates to specific clinical variables and is associated with significant psychological dysfunction. Its measurement is warranted as part of a comprehensive patient-centered IBD assessment.
This is a patient-centred, mixed methodology study on patient education in IBD. Patients' preferences for education include components such as what to expect and diet and patients seem to distrust the internet as an IBD information source. International validation would be valuable to create a consensus education programme.
Objective
This qualitative study explores participants' patterns of relating to self and others before and after attending a Compassion Focused Therapy for Eating Disorders‐2 (CFT‐E2) group intervention.
Method
Data from semi‐structured interviews conducted before (n = 13) and after (n = 9) the intervention were analysed using thematic and relational analyses.
Results
Pre‐intervention participants described experiencing difficult memories, identity struggles, negative self‐evaluation, powerlessness to the eating disorder, emotional dysregulation and an interest in change. Participants' descriptions of CFT‐E2 were broadly positive with some experiences common to group therapy approaches, such as feeling hope and trust, and some experiences specific to CFT‐E2, such as the flow of compassion and knowledge in the group. Postintervention, the interviews reflect positive changes that participants experienced. Participants reported a more compassionate mentality in their relationship with themselves and others, self‐belief, a sense of responsibility, stronger relationships, experiences of relinquishing control of their eating disorder and feeling less overwhelmed.
Discussion
Compassion Focused Therapy for Eating Disorders‐2 offers a new approach for treating self‐criticism and shame for people with eating disorders. This qualitative study supports the view that this approach offers novel and generic group therapy benefits for clients.
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