"A Disconnect Between What She Wanted To Do And Her Ability To Act Upon It": Complexities Of Agency In Discourses Of Treatment For Youth With Eating Disorders

Abstract

This project analyzes the discourses circulating about young people with eating disorders (ED) in popular and legal materials. Through use of discourse analysis through a Foucauldian lens, I have determined major themes in how we make sense of involuntary treatment, in particular. In analyzing cases from the Ontario Consent and Capacity Board (CCB) and newspaper articles from The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Ottawa Citizen, Ottawa Sun, and National Post I drew out common narratives and themes. Agency, not surprisingly in the current medico-political context was noted throughout all texts, and was found to be alongside or in opposition to, discourses of protection. I drew out three themes which framed this overarching tension: (1) hospitalization experiences: outcome oriented approaches to treatment; (2) the family unit: a source of harm and care; and (3) the patient as a broken child. Legislative documents and regulatory frameworks were used to provide the backdrop upon which this discourse plays out. Youth with EDs are the bodies upon which these discourses are written, producing them as particular kinds of subjects. My analysis reveals that there remain fundamental tensions in how we understand the young person with an eating disorder and how they should be treated. Any progressive changes to legislation or health care frameworks must address these tensions around youth agency or they will merely reproduce the current issues. DedicationFor my number one fan, my Grandad, Eamon Keeley. I could not have done this without your guidance. Your endless pursuit and acquisition of knowledge, and compassionate nature inspired me, and fueled this project. Thank you for always believing in me, and for your unconditional love and support.iv Acknowledgements This process would have been much different if it were not for the incredible network of outstanding people supporting me through every step. Thank you all for supporting me through this long, tiring, and ultimately gratifying process.