Should people with a history of an eating disorder work as eating disorder therapists?

Johnston, Craig; Smethurst, Nicola; Gowers, Simon

doi:10.1002/erv.659

Cited by 28 publications

(51 citation statements)

References 3 publications

(2 reference statements)

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“…Additionally, almost half of this sample reported that they had an eating disorder or strong eating disorder symptoms in the past. Although these rates are similar to a small body of existing research examining rates of eating pathology among eating disorder treatment providers (e.g., Barbarich, 2002), it is noteworthy because the topic of those with a personal history treating patients with eating disorders is highly controversial within the field (Barbarich, 2002;Johnston, Smethurst, & Gowers, 2005).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 81%

A Qualitative Analysis of Job Burnout in Eating Disorder Treatment Providers

et al. 2012

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Although job burnout is common in mental health care settings, almost no research has examined burnout in eating disorder treatment providers. Using qualitative methodology, this study examined a) perceived contributors of burnout, b) efforts to manage burnout, and c) recommendations for avoiding burnout in a sample of professional eating disorder treatment providers. Recruited via professional organizations, 298 participants completed an online questionnaire designed by the authors. Qualitative responses were coded and grouped into themes. Results indicated that almost all participants worried about their patients' health, which frequently resulted in negative affect (e.g., anxiety, sadness). The most frequently cited contributors to burnout were common characteristics of eating pathology (e.g., chronicity, relapse, symptom severity); patient characteristics (e.g., personality conflict); work-related factors (e.g., time demands); and, financial issues (e.g., inadequate compensation). To avoid burnout, over 90% of participants engaged in self-care behaviors (e.g., exercise, social support). Early-career practitioners were encouraged to utilize supervision, create a work/life balance, engage in self-care, and limit caseloads. These results suggest that supervision and training of eating disorder treatment providers should include burnout management.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 81%

A Qualitative Analysis of Job Burnout in Eating Disorder Treatment Providers

et al. 2012

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“…Of the approximately 125 members of MEDA who attended the conference, 43 returned the survey (34%). Although this was only 1/3 of conference attendees, these completion rates are comparable to other treatment provider-based studies (Burket & Schramm, 1995;Franko & Rolfe, 1996;Johnston, Smethurst, & Gowers, 2005). This research project was reviewed and approved by necessary institutional review boards prior to participant recruitment and participation.…”

Section: Participantsmentioning

confidence: 76%

Treating Patients with Eating Disorders: An Examination of Treatment Providers' Experiences

et al. 2008

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Patients with eating disorders bring unique challenges to treatment providers. The purpose of this study was to explore treatment providers' experiences working with patients with eating disorders. Specifically, we investigated 1) the frequency and management of commentary about the treatment providers' appearance from patients, 2) personal changes in affect, vigilance around appearance, and eating behaviors in treatment providers, and 3) feedback and suggestions about effectively working with these patients. Using quantitative and qualitative methods, 43 professional eating disorder treatment providers attending the Multiservice Eating Disorder Association (MEDA) annual conference completed a questionnaire created for this study. Results suggest that most treatment providers experienced direct and indirect commentary about their appearance from patients and experienced notable changes in their view of food, eating behaviors, and vigilance of their own and others' appearance while working with these patients. Recommendations and suggestions from treatment providers about effectively treating these patients and managing personal changes are explored.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The field of eating disorders has debated the role of the recovered individual in the recovery process of others suffering from an eating disorder [ 25 ]. Concerns with having recovered individuals involved in the recovery process of others revolve around countertransference issues, taking over the recovery process for the patient, and risk of relapse [ 25 , 26 ]. On the other hand, reports from treatment providers with a history of an eating disorder [ 26 ], recovered individuals who have been symptom free for at least 1 year [ 4 ], and research from online support groups [ 13 ] and Overeaters Anonymous [ 11 ] suggest that there are benefits to having recovered individuals involved in the treatment of others.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Preliminary examination of a mentor-based program for eating disorders

Perez

Diest

Cutts³

2014

J Eat Disord

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BackgroundThere is a current and pressing need for recovery resources for individuals suffering from eating disorders. Mentoring programs have been useful with other psychiatric disorders such as addictions, and may be useful for individuals recovering from an eating disorder. The present study sought to examine a mentoring program for individuals working towards recovery from an eating disorder.MethodsThe study included mentors (i.e., individuals who have recovered from an eating disorder for an extended period of time), and mentees (i.e., individuals who were in the process of recovering from an eating disorder and wanting additional support aside from their treatment team). Participants included 141 participants, consisting of 34 mentors, 58 mentees who matched with a mentor, and 49 mentees searching for a mentor. Participants completed questions assessing eating disorder symptoms, quality of life, motivation towards recovery, and treatment compliance.ResultsMatched mentees reported higher levels of quality of life on 7 out of 12 domains, and missed fewer appointments with treatment providers when compared to unmatched mentees. There were no differences between matched and unmatched mentees on motivation, energy or confidence towards recovery.ConclusionsFindings suggest a mentor model is beneficial for individuals engaged in the process of recovering from an eating disorder in the areas of quality of life and treatment compliance. Specifically, mentees in a mentoring relationship reported better family and close relationships, future outlook, and psychological, emotional, and physical well-being than unmatched mentees. Mentors reported being positively impacted by the mentoring relationship by strengthening the skills they learned while in recovery, and reminding them of how far they had come in their own recovery. The findings in this study suggest that mentor programs warrant further investigation as ancillary support services for individuals recovering from an eating disorder.

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Should people with a history of an eating disorder work as eating disorder therapists?

Cited by 28 publications

References 3 publications

A Qualitative Analysis of Job Burnout in Eating Disorder Treatment Providers

A Qualitative Analysis of Job Burnout in Eating Disorder Treatment Providers

Treating Patients with Eating Disorders: An Examination of Treatment Providers' Experiences

Preliminary examination of a mentor-based program for eating disorders

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