A qualitative analysis of relationship advice from the perspective of people living with and recovering from eating disorders while in diverse romantic relationships

A qualitative analysis of relationship advice from the perspective of people living with and recovering from eating disorders while in diverse romantic relationships

Eating disorders (EDs) have adverse consequences across life domains, ranging from physical health to interpersonal relationships. While research suggests that romantic partners have the potential to support ED recovery, partners to those with EDs often report feeling confused and helpless in the fa...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Eating disorders Vol. 31; no. 6; pp. 632 - 650
Main Authors: Tesselaar, Juliana M., Mendoza, Rebecca R., Siegel, Jaclyn A., Elbe, Connor I., Caravelli, Nicolas S., DeJesus, Jennifer, Fenton, Margo, Victoria, Brianna S., Blashill, Aaron J.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: United States Routledge 02-11-2023
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Subjects:
Cisgender
Eating disorders
Flexibility
Health status
Healthy food
Heterosexuality
Interpersonal relations
Personal relationships
Psychoeducational treatment
Qualitative research
Recovery
Romantic relationships
Self compassion
Sympathy
Women
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Summary:Eating disorders (EDs) have adverse consequences across life domains, ranging from physical health to interpersonal relationships. While research suggests that romantic partners have the potential to support ED recovery, partners to those with EDs often report feeling confused and helpless in the face of the condition. The extant literature on EDs in relationships centers on the experiences of cisgender, heterosexual women. The present study aimed to garner a more comprehensive understanding of the types of support people with EDs believe are most helpful from romantic partners by analyzing relationship advice from a diverse group of individuals with EDs who were in romantic relationships. As part of a larger study on romantic relationships in ED recovery, we analyzed responses to the question, "If you had to give one piece of advice to someone who learns that their partner has an ED, what would it be?" Through Consensual Qualitative Research-Modified, we identified 29 themes, which we grouped into 7 domains: Foster Open Communication, Create an Environment of Emotional Intimacy, Let Your Partner Guide You, Educate Yourself, Be Compassionate with Yourself, Use Caution when Discussing Food and Bodies, and a Miscellaneous domain. These findings highlight the importance of patience, flexibility, psychoeducation, and self-compassion for individuals working to support their partner's ED recovery, and can inform future couples-based treatments and interventions for EDs.
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ISSN:1064-0266
1532-530X
DOI:10.1080/10640266.2023.2206753