Presentation Information
[P-24-03]Conceptualization of Recovery from Eating Disorders: A Qualitative Study Based on Interviews with Recovered Individuals
*Akie Nakayama, Masaru Takahashi (Ochanomizu University(Japan))
Keywords:
Eating disoders,Conceptualization of Recovery,Qualitative Study
This study aimed to explore how individuals with eating disorders conceptualize recovery. The study involved nine female participants who self-identified as having recovered from an eating disorder and had been symptom-free from eating disorders or other psychiatric conditions for a minimum of two years. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted, enabling participants to articulate their recovery journey from the onset of their disorder to the point of self-recognition as recovered. The data were analyzed utilizing the Modified Grounded Theory Approach (Kinoshita, 2003). Five core elements emerged as central to the conceptualization of recovery. Firstly, participants distinctly recognized their ability to eat "normally," signifying both an objective and subjective absence of symptoms. Secondly, they experienced a sense of continuity between their past and present selves and accepted themselves as "good enough." Thirdly, they prioritized themselves in their lives and aspired towards the future, moving away from prioritizing others. Fourthly, they acquired social roles and experienced a sense of belonging. Fifthly, they perceived recovery as an ongoing and perpetual process. These findings suggest that recovery is a highly subjective experience that cannot be fully defined using objective criteria alone. Therefore, clinicians should refrain from imposing a fixed image or direction of recovery and instead respect individual differences. Furthermore, as all participants reported various challenges even after full remission, continuous support was deemed essential beyond the acute phase.