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Cited by 62Eating Disorders and BehaviorsNutrition, Health and Food BehaviorBody Image and Dysmorphia Studies

Sense of self and anorexia nervosa: A grounded theory

Williams, Karen, King, Jane, Fox, John R. E.·2016·Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice
DOI 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. Practitioner points: The self is shared with the eating disorder in AN , and separating the self from AN is crucial to recover from the disorder. Therapeutic interventions for AN need to target the enmeshed relationship between the self and the eating disorder, as opposed to focusing exclusively on weight and shape concerns.

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  • Lived experience recovery definitions centre a continuing process of personal transformation, reclamation of power, reconnection with the self and changing navigation of socio-cultural-political domains, in contrast to the medical definition of recovery as an endpoint.

    “In contrast to the medical definition of recovery as an endpoint, lived experience recovery definitions centre a continuing process of personal transformation, reclamation of power, reconnection with the self and changing navigation of socio-cultural-political domains [124–128].”

    From A lived experience response to the proposed diagnosis of terminal anorexia nervosa: learning from iatrogenic harm, ambivalence and enduring hope (2023) · cites this paper as [126]

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Authors
Williams, K., King, J., & Fox, J. R. E.
Affiliations
  • IMPACT Pain Service Stoke‐on‐Trent Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Haywood Hospital Stoke‐on‐Trent Staffordshire UK
  • Whiston Hospital (GB)
  • Royal Holloway University of London (GB)
Corresponding author
Fox, John R. E.
ORCID
Fox, John R. E.
Venue
Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2015-07-14
Volume
89
Issue
2
Pages
211-228
ISSN
  • 1476-0835 (ISSN-L)
  • 2044-8341
DOI
10.1111/papt.12068
OpenAlex
W2104865248
Cited by
62
References
56
Citations by year
2026: 5 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 11 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 10 · 2021: 5 · 2020: 4 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 5 · 2017: 1 · 2016: 5 · 2015: 1
FWCI
4.97
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations
  • Psychology and Psychotherapy Theory Research and Practice (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • ORCA Online Research @Cardiff (Cardiff University) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Eating Disorders and Behaviors
  • Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Nutrition, Health and Food Behavior
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies
Keywords
anorexia nervosa, selfhood, eating disorders, recovery from anorexia, self-acceptance, fear of the unknown, therapeutic interventions
MeSH terms
Adolescent, Adult, Anorexia Nervosa, Ego, Fear, Female, United Kingdom, Humans, Interviews as Topic, Middle Aged, Psychiatric Status Rating Scales, Self Concept, Young Adult, Self Report, Grounded Theory

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