‘Learning to live your life again’: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of weblogs documenting the inside experience of recovering from anorexia nervosa

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to explore the construct of recovery from Anorexia Nervosa (AN) through the medium of weblogs, focusing on the benefits and barriers to the recovery process.Method: Data was extracted from female (n=7) and male (n=1) participants' textual prorecovery weblogs, all of which were posted between 2013 and 2015 in the public domain.Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).Results: Three superordinate themes were identified: (1) barriers to recovery, (2) factors increasing the likelihood of recovery, and (3) support. Discussion:Results suggest supportive relationships, re-gaining control and recognising the consequences of the eating disorder benefit recovery, whereas public perceptions, the AN voice, and time act as barriers to recovery. Out of eight participants, four described seeking professional help as part of their recovery, of which three believed their professional therapy experience helped aid recovery. Conclusion:Implications for AN treatment are discussed in detail.

The invisible paradox of inflammatory bowel disease: An analysis of men’s blogs

“…Six blogs fitting the above criteria were selected for analysis, which is similar to previous analyses of blog-related data (e.g. Smethurst and Kuss, 2018). Data collection took place in March 2018.…”

“…To date, despite an increasing body of research into women's issues relating to IBD (Carbery et al, 2016;Selinger et al, 2016), there has been little research into men's experiences of the disease. Similarly, although there is an increasing interest in the analysis of blog data in health psychology (Garbett et al, 2016;Smethurst and Kuss, 2018) and the role of online forums in IBD has been considered (Coulson, 2015;Coulson, 2013;Frohlich, 2016;Malik and Coulson, 2011), IBD blogs have not. Blogs are increasingly used by those experiencing chronic disease as a means of exploring and making sense of illness-related experiences (e.g.…”

Patients’ Experiences and Perceptions of Recovering from Anorexia Nervosa While Having Contact with Psychiatric Care: A Literature Review and Narrative Synthesis of Qualitative Studies

“…By avoiding assumptions that affect the patient's thoughts, feelings, and actions, the feeling of being judged can be counteracted (Zaitsoff et al, 2016). Assumptions based on the patient's appearance may be experienced as judgmental (Seed et al, 2016;Smethurst & Kuss, 2018), while some patients may be disturbed and impaired if the caregiver does not express concern (Smith et al, 2016). When patients feel that they are being treated according to a manual, treatment is not experienced as beneficial (Fogarty & Ramjan, 2016;Rance et al, 2017).…”

“…Patients with AN find it difficult to let go of the disease, as it is perceived to be part of themselves (Higbed & Fox, 2010;Seed et al, 2016;Smethurst & Kuss, 2018;Williams et al, 2016). The disease can cause patients to feel stuck in a life stage and depend on the relationships they have created through the disease (Seed et al, 2016).…”

“…It is therefore important that the caregiver supports the patient in making contact with others outside of the care environment (Esp ındola & Blay, 2013; Ramjan et al, 2018). Identity and self-esteem are affected by the disease, which contributes to difficulties in releasing the disease and recovering (Higbed & Fox, 2010;Seed et al, 2016;Smethurst & Kuss, 2018). The disease is perceived to be a large and meaningful part of life (Higbed & Fox, 2010;Williams et al, 2016).…”