The Therapeutic Process – Client's Perception Of Success Promoting Factors In An And Arfid – Qualitative Study

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the perception that individuals have of success-promoting factors on their own therapeutic process. We intended to understand which aspects influenced their perception and which factors were considered relevant to the decision to seek help, not to abandon treatment and their motivation to change. The study involved patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and avoiding food intake disorder (ARFID), with intervention within the scope of different therapeutic models.Background: In Portugal, anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder with a significant increase in recent years, having been responsible for 4,485 hospitalizations between 2000 and 2014 in Portuguese public health services. Portugal has scarce research in eating disorders, although they are a serious mental health problem both in this country and in Europe.Methods: The study included a sample of 9 participants who responded to the request for participation posted on the different electronic platforms. The data recollection occurred through a semistructured interview, and the information was subjected to thematic analysis.Results: This study included a total of 9 participants, 5 with a diagnosis of AN and 4 with a diagnosis of ARFID. All the participants were women between 19 and 52 years of age (an average of 38.4 years). Similarities were found in both groups for and differences.Discussion: The desire to improve/not cause suffering to family members and the availability of social/emotional support were considered relevant aspects inherent to the client. One hundred percent of the participants considered that certain professional and personal qualities of the professional/therapist were the most relevant aspects to promote the success of the therapeutic intervention. The sample size of this study is small and therefore does not allow generalizations.Conclusions: The main objective of this study was to obtain knowledge that would allow professionals to reflect on their practice and adapt the intervention to the needs and concerns of the clients. Despite the limitations of the study, our participants provided detailed and relevant information, so we consider the results obtained to be pertinent for the proposed objective. Further research in these areas is needed to deepen the knowledge.