City Research Online

Abstract

The most dangerous type of eating disorder, Anorexia Nervosa (AN), presents with a lifetime prevalence in women of 2 to 4% and a notably high risk of fatality in teenage girls. Research has shown that caring for a daughter with AN can be experienced as all-consuming. However, despite evidence that genetics contribute significantly to the risk associated with developing an eating disorder, little is known about how this role may be experienced by a mother who has previously experienced AN herself. This research therefore set out to explore the lived experience of recovered anorexic mothers, caring for their anorexic daughters.

Six participants were recruited, from whom data was collected through individual semi-structured interviews. The chosen analytic strategy was Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, and the following six Group Experiential Themes were generated: ‘Watching the anorexia take over’, ‘Healthcare – A broken system’, ‘A heavy emotional and physical toll’, ‘A strained home and family life’, ‘Mother’s own AN experience – A double edged sword’, and ‘Caring for a daughter with AN – Surviving the role’. Taken together, these findings highlight the profound and inherent challenges that accompany the role of carer, from watching their daughter be consumed by the illness, to the emotional and physical impact on both themselves and their family. Critically here, the participants’ own experience of AN appeared to create additional difficulties, though it could also be experienced as providing helpful insight into the condition. The findings also suggest an urgent need for improvements in the support and healthcare available to both mother and daughter, and emphasise the importance of timely intervention.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC0321 Neuroscience. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Psychology School of Health & Psychological Sciences > School of Health & Psychological Sciences Doctoral Theses Doctoral Theses

Export

Downloads