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A qualitative exploration of sense of self and anorexia nervosa
[Thesis]. Manchester, UK: The University of Manchester; 2014.
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AbstractA qualitative exploration of sense of self and anorexia nervosaKaren WilliamsDoctor of Clinical Psychology (ClinPsyD)The University of ManchesterJune 2014The thesis has been prepared in paper based format and includes three papers: paper 1 is a literature review, paper 2 is an empirical study and paper 3 is a critical reflection. Paper 1 has been prepared for submission to Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy and systematically reviews the qualitative literature pertaining to the process of recovery from anorexia nervosa (AN). A metasynthesis of 12 studies was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) principles. The metasynthesis identified factors that helped and factors that hindered recovery from AN, in addition to offering an interpretation of how these factors underpin the process of recovery. The strengths and limitations of the review are discussed, as are the implications of the findings for clinical practice. Paper 2 has been prepared for submission to the British Journal of Clinical Psychology and is a qualitative exploration of the nature of the relationship between the self and the eating disorder in individuals with a lifetime history of AN. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 women and the interview transcripts analysed using constructivist grounded theory methodology. The results suggested that the self is shared with AN and separating the self from AN has an important role to play in recovery from the disorder. A theoretical framework explaining the nature of the relationship between the self and AN is presented and discussed. The strengths and limitations of the study are considered, as are the implications of the findings on the content of therapeutic interventions. Paper 3 is not intended for publication and is a critical reflection of the research process as a whole. It evaluates the strengths and limitations of both paper 1 and paper 2, in addition to offering a critical review of completing a qualitative research project. Paper 3 also discusses issues surrounding reflexivity, implications of the research for clinical practice/working as a clinical psychologist and draws overall conclusions.