Stuffing down feelings: Bereavement, anxiety and emotional detachment in the life stories of people with eating disorders

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the life stories of people with eating disorders (EDs) in order to better understand possible contributing factors to their development. It used a qualitative Life Story method, in order to reduce the tendency to focus on the negative in the lives of people with EDs. Sixteen people in contact with an EDs charity participated. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis. Despite the attempt to elicit both positive and negative information, most themes from the life stories were negative. Here, the focus is on the three most common themes reported, which are less often reported in previous research: (a) substantial bereavement and loss; (b) major issues with anxiety and (c) difficulties coping with emotions. A model is proposed whereby major losses and the resultant anxiety can lead to emotional deadening and ‘stuffing down feelings’ with food, leading on to an ED. This model implies that interventions need to consider psychological factors in an ED, especially the use of it as a dysfunctional coping strategy, as well as the behavioural and physiological aspects of an ED.

“Once Again It Becomes a Friend in Times of Adversity”: A Qualitative Exploration of Interrelationships between Anorexia Nervosa and Trauma over Ten Years

“…Furthermore, to our knowledge, the current study is the first to identify shifts in AN functionality over time and outline how these functions inter-relate with both childhood and adulthood traumas. In doing so, it extends previous research that tended to conceptualise the coping component of AN as being a static and perpetual response to early (unresolved) traumas [58]. By considering the interrelationships between AN and adult traumas, the current study offers important insights into the maintenance of longstanding AN and the way it can be enlisted and re-enlisted to cope with novel adversities in novel ways [59].…”

Family-related non-abuse adverse life experiences occurring for adults diagnosed with eating disorders: a systematic review

“…[EDs: AN ( n = 17), BN ( n = 3), BED ( n = 1), AN+BN ( n = 8)] 1.1 1.2 ● 1.3 ● 1.4 ● 1.5 ● Semi-structured interview ✓ ✓ Y 2. Reid et al (2019) [ 60 ] UK ED charity in Northern England N = 16 (Range = 19–58) 94% No comparisons [EDs: not specified] 1.1 ● 1.2 ● 1.3 1.4 ● 1.5 ● Adjusted version of Dan McAdams Life Story Interview ✓ Y B. Descriptive/ non-comparative design 3. Duarte & Pinto-Gouveia (2017) [ 20 ] Portugal Treatment seekers from a university hospital N = 114 ( M = 36.62; SD = 37.62; range = 20–63) 100% No comparison [EDs: BED = 100%] 4.1 ● 4.2 ● 4.3 ● 4.4 4.5 ● Shame Experiences Interview ✓ Y 4.…”

When time worsens framing: a longitudinal analysis of the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in women with an eating disorder and their healthy sisters

“…Distancing oneself from difficult situations seems to help reduce the negative psychological impact and is a common way people deal with stress and trauma (Mäntymäki et al 2022 ; Wang et al 2022 ). In the context of ED, this emotional detachment plays a specific role and is often used to cope with life’s challenges (Reid et al 2020 ). However, some argue that it can also perpetuate the disorder.…”