City Research Online

Abstract

It has been identified that a diminished sense of self is a key feature among those with anorexia nervosa (AN), although our understanding of what may contribute toward the sense of self becoming diminished is still limited. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore how people with AN have made sense of their lived experiences in relation to their sense of self, with a particular interest in their developmental experiences prior to when they began experiencing AN symptomology. Understanding this subject further is notably significant as a diminished sense of self has been associated with poor treatment outcomes for those within this clinical population, which is believed to be reflected by an ambivalence to recovery.

Eight participants with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa engaged in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed and in accordance with Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) guidelines, which was utilised to conduct the study. There is also the use of reflexivity included throughout this research.

Three group experiential themes were generated from the data analysis – firstly, ‘“What am I really good for?” Developmental experiences diminished sense of self’. Within this were four subthemes. Secondly, ‘other people influence perception of self’, which contained three subthemes. Thirdly and finally was ‘anorexia gives and takes from self’, which had three subthemes. The results are discussed in relation to existing literature regarding the sense of self and anorexia. The relevancy and implications these findings have for counselling psychology and wider clinical practice are also reviewed, along with recommendations for future research.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Departments:	School of Health & Medical Sciences > Psychology School of Health & Medical Sciences > School of Health & Medical Sciences Doctoral Theses Doctoral Theses

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