Change and recovery in adults with a restrictive-type eating disorder
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Processes of change identified by adults in recovery from restrictive type eating disorder: A narrative theory and repertory grid analysis
IRAS ID
223185
Contact name
Jane Townshend
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Univeristy of Plymouth
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 21 days
Research summary
This qualitative study will explore: ‘How do people who define themselves as recovered/in recovery from a restrictive-type eating disorder in adulthood understand and describe changes that supported their recovery?’
Restrictive-type eating disorders include Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and similar diagnosed eating disorders (EDs)not meeting full criteria for AN. Most of the research cited below comes from research into AN.
Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is associated with high mortality and poor recovery rates relative to other mental health conditions. Ambivalence about recovery is a complicating factor noted clinically in individuals with these types of ED. It is important to better understand recovery in AN and other restrictive-type EDs in order to inform ways to support more people towards recovery.
A small body of existing qualitative research draws on the expertise of people with lived experience of ED recovery. Most has not differentiated ED type, and has focussed on ED in adolescence. The proposed study aims to build on existing research by focussing specifically on restrictive-type EDs and recruiting people adult at the time of treatment and recovery, where outcomes tend to be poorer.
5-10 participants will be recruited through an NHS specialist adult (18+) community ED service. Participants will have been previously diagnosed with restrictive-type ED and now define themselves as ‘recovered’ or ‘in recovery’. Participants will be current service users, or have been discharged from the service within 6 months prior to recruitment. Participants will be aged 24+.Participants will take part in 2 qualitative interviews informed in their approach by Narrative Theory and Personal Construct Theory. The data collection phase of the study may last up to 6 months. Interview data will be subjected to Narrative Analysis as described by Reissman (2008)
The study is being undertaken as a research project for a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/SW/0238
Date of REC Opinion
24 Oct 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion