An IPA study of women's experiences of CBT for bulimia nervosa (V1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An IPA study of women's experiences of cognitive-behaviour therapy for the treatment of bulimia nervosa
IRAS ID
147323
Contact name
Kati Hallikainen
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
London Metropolitan University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 22 days
Research summary
“Exploration of the therapy experiences of women who have undergone cognitive-behaviour therapy for the treatment of bulimia nervosa”
The study will seek to answer the following question: How do women with BN (or previous EDNOS bulimia subtype diagnosis) who have received CBT for BN describe their experience of therapy?
Past research has found cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) to be the most effective psychological treatment for bulimia nervosa (BN) in terms of symptom reduction. The data were gathered through methods which provided quantitative information on the matter. Even though these findings are helpful in determining the best way to work with someone with BN, they have some limitations: We have very little knowledge of what the clients found helpful in CBT and whether the approach had any weaknesses in their opinion.
This research aims to gain a deeper understanding of the experience of CBT in this client group. This is important, as currently the results from the follow up studies suggest that many individuals relapse after their therapy has ended. Also, the uptake and completion rates of CBT are relatively low in this group. The results from the study will contribute to understanding the mechanics of CBT-BN better and potentially to developing more effective treatments for BN.
This research is a qualitative study utilising the interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach. The study will have four participants (women aged 18-35) who have received CBT for BN once in the past with the therapy having ended at least 1 month before the research interview.
The study will recruit through relevant voluntary agencies and possibly through relevant NHS services. Each participant is expected to take part in a semi-structured interview lasting for approximately 1 hour.
This research is self-funded and part of my training (Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology).
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NW/1414
Date of REC Opinion
16 Apr 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion