Understanding the Phenomenological Experience of Schema Therapy in eating disorders

Cunningham, Alice

Abstract

Introduction: This research investigated the experiences of schema therapy of those with an eating disorder and schema therapists treating eating disorders. Three studies used semi-structured online interviews. Two explored clients’ experiences longitudinally (N=10 timepoint one, N=5 timepoint two), with a focus on schema modes and the eating disorder voice; a third explored schema therapists’ experiences treating eating disorders (N=12).
Methods: Interviews were designed and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.
Results: Four Group Experiential Themes were developed from the first client study: Adverse Experiences, Interpersonal Relationships, Self-Awareness, and Recovery. Follow-up interviews 12-18 months later, produced four different Group Experiential Themes: Making Sense of Schema Therapy, Friend or Foe? Connecting with parts of Self, and Barriers to Recovery. Results from schema therapists produced four Group Experiential Themes: Tools and Techniques, Beneath the Surface, Development of the Therapeutic Relationship, and Impact on Self.
Conclusions: Clients and therapists emphasised the benefits of schema therapy in recognising and identifying with their modes; with clients also emphasising the benefits in recognising and identifying their eating disorder voice. Schema therapy empowered clients to assign meaningful attributes to their modes, creating a deeper understanding and connection to the parts of self. Participants initially described modes as an abstract concept, however, schema therapy encouraged clients to accept their modes as parts of themselves, particularly their Vulnerable Child. The findings suggest that schema therapy provides clients with an effective toolkit for their eating disorder in terms of identifying, recognising, and understanding the parts of themselves. This was facilitated by schema therapists who gained a deeper understanding of the function that eating disorders and schema modes served their clients. The findings thus support the schema mode model in treating eating disorders.

Citation

Cunningham, A. Understanding the Phenomenological Experience of Schema Therapy in eating disorders. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4865950

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 15, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 29, 2024
• Keywords: Psychology
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4865950
• Additional Information: School of Psychology and Social Work; University of Hull
• Award Date: Aug 2, 2024