An exploration of the role of religion and spirituality in the treatment and recovery of patients with eating disorders.

Abstract

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.

Spiritually integrated psychotherapies in real-world clinical practice: Synthesizing the literature to identify best practices and future research directions.

“…Richards et al (2018) also conducted two qualitative studies with patients who completed an inpatient eating disorder program with an ecumenical spiritual emphasis. Results highlighted ways unhealthy SERT dynamics can contribute to the development of an eating disorder (e.g., “My eating disorder became my God,” p. 92) while more healthy SERT factors fostered recovery (e.g., “My religious beliefs literally saved my life,” p. 97).…”

“…The thick description of the patient's report of her experience in treatment evidenced parallels between positive relational dynamics with the therapist and shifts in her relationship with God and sense of self, inviting further questions about the understudied impact of patient-therapist interpersonal processes on SERT dynamics (Captari et al, 2018). Richards et al (2018) also conducted two qualitative studies with patients who completed an inpatient eating disorder program with an ecumenical spiritual emphasis. Results highlighted ways unhealthy SERT dynamics can contribute to the development of an eating disorder (e.g., "My eating disorder became my God," p. 92) while more healthy SERT factors fostered recovery (e.g., "My religious beliefs literally saved my life," p. 97).…”

A spiritually inclusive theistic approach to psychotherapy in inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings.

“…Of course, not all spiritual struggles cause psychological and relationship problems, or vice versa. In our clinical work, we have observed that spiritual connections may remain strong during psycho social struggles and help patients cope and heal (Richards et al, 2018). Emo tionally healthy people are not immune to spiritual struggles, nor are spiritually minded people immune to psychological problems.…”

“…Figure 7.1 presents a conceptual model for our spiritually inclusive theistic treatment approach. We have adapted and expanded on the model from previous publications (Richards et al, 2018(Richards et al, , 2020.…”

Understanding Eating Disorders and the Nurse's Role in Diagnosis, Treatment, and Support

“…Spiritual care combined with traditional approaches is a significant predictor of treatment success (Grant, 2018; Richards et al, 2018). Patients with EDs struggle with guilt and shame, which can create isolation from others and disconnection from God (Grant, 2018; Richards et al, 2018). They often describe the ED as who they are and as something that has total control over their thoughts and actions (Pivarunas, 2016).…”