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Living with the anorexic voice: a thematic analysis
Stephanie Tierney1, John R E Fox
1School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. stephanie.tierney@manchester.ac.uk
Psychology and Psychotherapy
|January 30, 2010
Summary
People with anorexia nervosa often hear an inner voice, which can have positive and negative impacts. Understanding this voice is key to overcoming the disorder and aiding recovery.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Eating Disorders Research
Background:
- The "anorexic voice" is a commonly reported phenomenon in anorexia nervosa.
- Little systematic research has explored the lived experiences and characteristics of this internal voice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the subjective experiences and reflections of individuals with anorexia nervosa regarding their "anorexic voice."
- To understand the perceived attributes and impact of the voice throughout the course of the eating disorder.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative methodology using written contributions (poems, narratives, letters, reflections) from participants.
- Thematic analysis conducted by two researchers on data from 21 individuals.
Main Results:
- Participants described both positive and negative attributes of their anorexic voice.
- Positive attributes were more prominent in early stages; negative attributes intensified as the disorder progressed.
- Despite its harshness, participants reported a sense of affiliation with their voice.
Conclusions:
- The strong bond with the "anorexic voice" may contribute to ambivalence towards treatment and change.
- Therapeutic interventions should acknowledge and address this connection to facilitate recovery.
- Targeting the "anorexic voice" could be a crucial component in effective treatment strategies for anorexia nervosa.
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