Exploration of the Influence of Anorexia Nervosa Upon Family Dynamics

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    An Exploration of the Influence of Anorexia Nervosa upon the Interactional Dynamics within the Family System: A Grounded Theory Analysis.\n

  • IRAS ID

    143595

  • Contact name

    Peter Karim Bandalli

  • Contact email

    PXB219@bham.ac.uk

  • Research summary

    This study will explore the influence that the development of Anorexia Nervosa has upon patterns of interaction and communication between family members. More specifically, this study will explore if and how relationships within the family have been influenced by the development of Anorexia Nervosa in one of its members.\n\nSemi structured interviews will be used to collect information from two separate samples, individuals who have suffered from Anorexia Nervosa, and also from first-degree relatives of those who suffer from Anorexia Nervosa. All participants will be therefore be recruited individually rather than as families. The interviews used to collect information will be based upon a predetermined schedule which will focus upon the changes which occurred in the participant’s family relationships in terms of patterns of communication, amount of contact, intimacy, and interactional dynamics (power/status/roles/boundaries between family members).\n\nGrounded Theory Analysis will be used to explore the existence of patterns and interactions within the data relating to changes in family dynamics and generate a basic set of themes, superordinate themes and attempt to delineate the process by which these themes interact.\n\nThe information derived from this process will be used to develop a model which illustrates if and how Anorexia Nervosa influences the relationships within the family system; and if and how these changes influence the course of the sufferer’s eating disorder.

  • REC name

    West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    14/WM/0103

  • Date of REC Opinion

    23 May 2014

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion