Becoming ‘whole’ again: A qualitative study of women's views of recovering from anorexia nervosa

Abstract

Objectives: The study explored women's perceptions of their recovery process and what recovery means to them in order to gain a better understanding of the predictors of recovery from anorexia nervosa (AN).Method: The data were analysed usingInterpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Semi-structured telephone interviews were carried out with fifteen women who received a diagnosis of AN and defined themselves as recovered/in recovery. The women were recruited from beat. Results:The women described their experiences in terms of four broad areas; being anorexic; dissatisfaction with treatment; process of change; and being recovered. Whilst anorexic, women experienced a series of dichotomies. In particular, they described splits between mind and body, AN behaviour and cognitions and rational and irrational side. Recovery occurred when the above dichotomies became resolved. Conclusion:Recovery occurs only when an individual becomes "whole" again, which is a lengthy psychological process. Therefore, it is also essential that therapy is not discontinued after patients reach their target weight.

Object Relations and Relationships with Parents as Predictors of Motivation to Recover from Eating Disorders

“…It was found that, beyond the contribution of eating disorders characteristics and age, which, together, accounted for 16.2% of the variance, the QRI "Father Support" scale explained another 10.4% of the variance, meaning that the perceived availability of social support from the relationship with the father is positively associated with the motivation to recover. These results expand the findings of Jenkins and Ogden (2012), who found that in the eyes of recovered anorexics, social support from family members is an important part of the recovery process. "Pro-anorexia" websites, as previously described, are places in which females who are reluctant to seek treatment are being further reinforced with respect thereto, and are potentially drawn deeper into eating disorders.…”

“…Some studies have found evidence suggesting the importance of the patient's real and perceived relationships in the recovery process and outcome, though mostly via the patient's and therapist's perspectives. For example, Jenkins and Ogden (2012) analyzed interviews with recovered anorexics and found that women often commented on the value of support from family and friends as an important part of the recovery process. Drungaite (2009) studied autobiographies of anorexic patients who were either hospitalized or admitted to a day clinic, and found several themes that facilitated recovery, including "finding motivation to keep fighting towards recovery" and "the strengthening of the relationship between care giver and patient" ("care-giver" refers to clinic personnel).…”

Expression of positive emotions differs in illness and recovery in anorexia nervosa

“…Moreover, qualitative studies have reported that participants who have experienced AN think that being able to communicate their emotions and to develop supportive relationships are key aspects of recovery (Rance et al, 2015;Federici and Kaplan, 2008;Jenkins and Ogden, 2012;Kyriacou et al, 2009). Facial expressions of positive emotions, such as the smile, are essential for establishing rapport (TickleDegnen, 2006) and are related to cooperative intentions (Schmidt and Cohn, 2001), as well as social rewards (Shore and Heerey, 2011).…”

‘Learning to live your life again’: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of weblogs documenting the inside experience of recovering from anorexia nervosa

“…No therapist she stated had ever told her about this.The tone adopted in this weblog is therefore one of dissatisfaction with therapy, suggesting that therapists can often contribute to establishing new disordered or obsessive behaviours even during the process of recovery. Partaking in therapy nevertheless supported recovery as it allowed individuals to recognise the extent of the damage they had done to their bodies (Jenkins and Ogden, 2012). However, where treatment had a focus on weight gain, female treatment seekers tend to express frustration and dissatisfaction (Kordy et al, 2002).…”