Sense of self and anorexia nervosa: a grounded theory

Williams, Karen, King, Jane and Fox, John R. E. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3039-8024 2016. Sense of self and anorexia nervosa: a grounded theory. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice 89 (2) , pp. 211-228. 10.1111/papt.12068

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Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to explore the nature of the relationship between the self and the eating disorder in individuals with a lifetime history of anorexia nervosa (AN). Design A qualitative design was used, given the exploratory nature of the study and the need to gain rich and in‐depth data regarding the topic under investigation. Method Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 11 women with a lifetime history of AN. Interview transcripts were analysed using constructivist grounded theory methodology. Results A theoretical framework of the nature of the relationship between the self and AN was developed, which included five related categories: AN taking over the self, AN protecting the self, sharing the self with AN, being no one without AN, and discovering the real me (accepting the fear). Conclusion Participants described a process of the self being taken over by AN to the point where it was shared with the eating disorder. This led participants to fear being no one without AN and to be unable to let go of the disorder, appreciating AN's ability to protect the self. To recover from AN, participants had to discover the real self, by accepting the fear of the unknown and separating the self from AN. The findings have important implications for the target of therapeutic interventions to improve recovery rates.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Psychology
Publisher:	Wiley: 12 months
ISSN:	2044-8341
Date of Acceptance:	27 April 2015
Last Modified:	23 Oct 2022 13:20
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/110357

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