Experiences of university women at risk for developing eating disorders

Abstract

Studies within the field of eating disorders often address pathology, prevalence/risk factors, body image, beliefs/perceptions (not specific to body image), treatment programs and psychometry. The main theoretical frameworks may be classified as developmental, sociocultural and perceptual. Most research, however, has been conducted using quantitative methodologies with clinical populations. Of the few qualitative studies (Blok, 2002; Budd, 2002; Pearson, 1998), none of them investigate the experience of being at risk for developing eating disorders. This was the aim of this study, which used a mixed methodology and a health perspective. In phase one, Quantitative questionnaires were administered to university women in order to identify four who were at risk for developing an eating disorder. In the second phase, qualitative interviews, using a phenomenological approach, were then conducted with the four consenting participants in order to appreciate their daily experiences of being at-risk. Gathered data was then analysed using two strategies. The first entailed regrouping data according to Integrator Themes. Results reveal a deeper, richer understanding of the experiences, as they were revealed phenomenologically. The second analysis strategy used the Wellness Model (Donatelle, Davis, Munroe, & Munroe, 2001), which describes health as having six dimensions: physical/physiological, psychological, social, environmental, intellectual and spiritual. Results of this analysis reveal that all six dimensions are impacted when a woman is at-risk of developing an eating disorder. While her specific experiences may be unique, one from the other, all aspects of her life are affected. Discussion emphasises the importance of qualitative methodologies and the use of a health perspective in this domain of study.