The experience and management of emotions on an inpatient setting for people with anorexia nervosa: A qualitative study

Kathryn Pemberton, John R E Fox

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Objectives: Research has identified how people with anorexia nervosa (AN) have problematic relationships with their own emotions, which can impact recovery. The aim of this study was to understand factors that were important in the care and emotional management of people with eating disorders on an inpatient unit. Design: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight participants with AN. Method: Interview transcripts were analysed using a qualitative approach that was based upon interpretative phenomenological analysis, but also incorporated a theoretical component. Results: From the qualitative analysis, two overarching and related themes were developed: 'difficulty with emotion' and 'predictability and care'. These were underpinned by a number of theoretical important constructs, such as 'staff factors', 'understanding of emotion', 'validity of emotion' and 'looking for ideal care'. Conclusion: Results suggested that the management strategies employed by some staff could serve to maintain eating disorders symptoms, whilst patient factors were also important as they had negative effect on staff's impact to care for this patient group. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)226-238
    Number of pages12
    JournalClinical Psychology and Psychotherapy
    Volume20
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - May 2013

    Keywords

    • Anorexia nervosa
    • Emotional management
    • Inpatient unit

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