This qualitative study aimed to explore experiences of women currently undergoing specialist inpatient treatment for anorexia nervosa. Interviews were carried out with 21 women with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa from a specialist adult inpatient eating disorder unit. Five master themes emerged using thematic analysis: (1) shifts in control, (2) experience of transition, (3) importance of supportive staff relationships, (4) sharing with peers and (5) process of recovery and self-discovery. Findings suggest that patients experience a process of change and adjustment in relation to levels of perceived personal control, attachment to the treatment environment and a sense of self-identity.

Findings suggest a relationship between maternal bonding, the use of maladaptive problem solving techniques and eating disorder pathology in inpatients with anorexia nervosa.

Adults suffering from anorexia nervosa improved significantly with a specialist programme delivered in an inpatient setting. Future research should investigate the potential role of factors other than obvious demographic and clinical history variables in determining treatment outcome.

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There is currently no clear understanding of the ways in which predisposing and maintaining variables exert their influence on eating attitudes and behaviours. This study investigated two potentially meaningful variables: parental bonding and perfectionistic schemas. Both variables have been implicated in the onset and maintenance of anorexia nervosa (e.g. Bruch 1978;Davis et al. 2000). A cross-sectional design was employed, comprising three separate groups: 40 individuals with anorexia nervosa, 44 depressed and/or anxious individuals, and 78 university students.