Perinatal Eating Disorders: a narrative synthesis of guidance and an exploration of women's experiences of eating disorder symptomology during the postpartum period

Abstract

This thesis explored the guidance for eating disorders during the perinatal period and women's eating disorder symptomology during the postpartum period specifically. It consists of three papers: 1) a systematic review, 2) an empirical study and 3) a critical reflection of the research process. The systematic review (Paper 1) is a qualitative narrative synthesis of the clinical practice guidelines for the assessment, management and treatment of eating disorders during the perinatal period. Seventeen guidelines were included, from eight different countries. Six overall recommendations were developed. The findings provide an initial framework for a range of health care professionals supporting women with eating disorders during the perinatal period and require further contextualisation to allow their implementation in and across services. The empirical study (Paper 2) explored women's experience of the postpartum period, where they had prior eating disorder experience, to develop an understanding of the factors operating during the postpartum experience that influence eating disorder symptomology. Twelve semi-structured interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. A conceptual diagram demonstrates a complex interaction between four overarching themes which influence eating disorder symptomology postpartum. Findings were considered in relation to existing literature to indicate clinical implications for health care professionals and friends and family of new mothers with previous or current eating disorder difficulties. Paper 3 provides a critical appraisal and reflective account of the research process. The strengths and limitations of the work, challenges faced, and its contribution to this field of research are considered. Personal reflections on the research process are also offered.

Date of Award	31 Dec 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Sarah Peters (Supervisor) & Debbie Smith (Supervisor)