Creating curative communities: feminist group work with women with eating issues

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the efficacy of feminist group work for women with eating issues. Data for the study is drawn from participants involved in five therapeutic groups at the community based organisation, ISIS Centre for Women's Action on Eating Issues 1 . Participants in this study completed the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) before and after group work and also responded to a postgroup questionnaire which elicited their experiences of group work. Background information about ISIS and the model of group work at ISIS is provided. Following this, the EDI completed by participants and the post-group questionnaire are examined. The data reveals that feminist group work is a valuable therapeutic intervention for women with eating issues. The key to the effectiveness of group work is that it provides a curative culture.

Coming Together to Calm the Hunger: Group Therapy Program for Adults Diagnosed With Anorexia Nervosa

“…The results of Black's (2003) and Inbody and Ellis's (1984) studies suggested that the group process is an effective and efficient vehicle for confronting basic cognitive distortions and emotional conflicts. Exploring dysfunctional cognitions will help a client in identifying, refuting, and replacing irrational beliefs …”

“…Therefore, in a world were a woman feels powerless, eating issues can represent a woman's attempt to assert her identity and to gain control (Black, 2003). Black asserted that the use of group work with individuals with AN is to provide a mini community, which may create an alternative place to discuss their struggles other than through food and their bodies.…”

“…Within group work, one of the central themes is the recognition that eating behaviour may be the way women cope with the internal conflict experienced throughout their lives (Black, 2003). Therefore, in a world were a woman feels powerless, eating issues can represent a woman's attempt to assert her identity and to gain control (Black, 2003).…”

“…• Creative arts processes will be a regular feature of this group work, enabling women an alternative means of expression other than cognitive expression, through transference, or their relationship with food and their body (Black, 2003).…”

Narrative Therapy, Eating Disorders and Groups: Enhancing Outcomes in Rural NSW

“…However, as with the literature on feminist group work (Black, 2003), there is little research examining the effectiveness of narrative therapy in the group work setting. In addition, there is minimal research on eating disorder treatment in the context of rural, regional or community based services, apart from the community based Brisbane organization ISIS Centre for Women's Action on Eating Disorders (Black, 2003).…”