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Published VersionCC BY V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
A qualitative analysis of the usefulness, risks, and challenges of incorporating functionality and body compassion into the prevention and treatment of eating disorders
Body Image, Vol.51, pp.1-10
2024
Abstract
Functionality appreciation and body compassion are empirically supported concepts that can help one to view their body in different and compassionate ways. However, they have yet to be applied to eating disorder (ED) samples and therefore it is important to explore the perceived benefit, risk, and nuance in this population. Semi-structured interviews (N = 25) were conducted with treatment providers, those with a lived experience of an ED, or history of body image distress. Usefulness, applicability, potential risks, benefits, and desired delivery format were probed. Thematic analysis was used. Participants reported that compassion and functionality approaches were useful, complement existing treatment approaches, and important for early intervention. Although considered safe, caveats were noted for ED samples, including introducing content at the right time (e.g., when medically stable), and when having the cognitive flexibility to think about one’s body in different ways. For example, functionality appreciation could trigger thoughts about what one's body cannot do while compassion may allow for normalising negative thoughts. Both concepts were viewed as useful and safe to support positive body image at a community level and can be used with ED samples with additional support. This insight from potential users helps with co-design of appropriate content.
Details
- Title
- A qualitative analysis of the usefulness, risks, and challenges of incorporating functionality and body compassion into the prevention and treatment of eating disorders
- Authors
- Kate Mulgrew (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - PsychologyAngela Hinz - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - PsychologyMegan Bray - Collective Health Co.Celine M H Jona - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - PsychologyKatharina Merollini - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Public Health
- Publication details
- Body Image, Vol.51, pp.1-10
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Date published
- 2024
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101754
- ISSN
- 1873-6807; 1740-1445
- Copyright note
- © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
- Data Availability
- The data that has been used is confidential.
- Grants
- Can functionality and compassion-based interventions be used for people with, or at-risk of, an eating disorder?, 0980027810, University of the Sunshine Coast (Australia, Sunshine Coast) - UniSC
- Organisation Unit
- Cancer Research Cluster; School of Health - Psychology; School of Health - Public Health
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991038698702621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Psychiatry
- Psychology, Clinical
- Psychology, Multidisciplinary
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