Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

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

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

Authors

Profile Image

Professor Marie Reid M.Reid@hull.ac.uk
Professor of Clinical & Health Psychology/ Consultant Clinical Psychologist

Jennifer Burr

Sarah Williams

Richard Hammersley



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
Electronic ISSN 1461-7277
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