Eating disorders patients' views on their disorders and on an outpatient service: A qualitative study

Reid, Marie; Burr, Jennifer; Williams, Sarah; Hammersley, Richard

Abstract

The objective of the study was to determine sufferers' views of outpatient treatment for eating disorders and provide practical recommendations for treatment practice. Twenty NHS outpatients participated in semi-structured interviews, which were subjected to thematic analysis. Respondents expressed ambivalence about whether their eating disorder is a way of exerting control or a disorder that controls them and this leads to them seeking treatment. Sufferers preferred a practical and sensitive approach and began to rely on treatment for recovery. Treatment needs to facilitate sufferers' need for control by striking a balance between practical and empathetic approaches that both involve patients in treatment decisions and give authoritative guidance.

Citation

Reid, M., Burr, J., Williams, S., & Hammersley, R. (2008). Eating disorders patients' views on their disorders and on an outpatient service: A qualitative study. Journal of health psychology, 13(7), 956-960. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105308095070

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 31, 2008
• Publication Date: Oct 1, 2008
• Journal: JOURNAL OF HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY
• Print ISSN: 1359-1053
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 13
• Issue: 7
• Pages: 956-960
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105308095070
• Keywords: Applied Psychology
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/405793