Exploring overcontrol and schema modes in eating disorders V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring overcontrol and schema coping mode profiles in young people with eating disorders and their parents
IRAS ID
317438
Contact name
Paige James
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Salomons Institute for Applied PSychology
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 29 days
Research summary
Schemas are psychological scripts that are utilised to navigate life and are expressed through coping modes. Coping modes are the patterns of behaviours people use to navigate difficult situations, get our needs met and to reduce difficult emotions. Adults with an eating disorder have been found to utilise maladaptive coping modes more than adults without an eating disorder. Alongside this, research has found higher profiles of overcontrol traits in eating disorder populations. Overcontrol is thought to be a personality profile characterised by inhibiting emotional urges and impulses, to pursue long-term goals. Individuals high in overcontrol often display perfectionism and rigidity. There has been a suggested "Eating Disorder Overcontroller" coping mode that encompasses perfectionism and competitiveness.
To date, research has primarily been conducted with adults. The research aims to explore patterns of coping in young people with and without an eating disorder. The research will explore similarities and differences in coping modes to peers with no diagnosed eating disorder and the young persons primary care giver. Knowing the coping profile of young people with an eating disorder will help inform current and emerging treatments. Particularly family therapy, the first-line intervention for young people with an eating disorder.
Eligible participants are any parent-child dyad with a child aged 14-18. A diagnosis of an eating disorder is required for the eating disorder group. Participants will be recruited from NHS eating disorder services and schools. Participants will be asked to complete a few questionnaires to capture their coping modes and overcontrol.
REC name
Wales REC 5
REC reference
23/WA/0097
Date of REC Opinion
9 Mar 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion