Optimal social support practices for health care professionals who treat patients managing eating disorders

Research indicates that positive social support leads to positive results in the health of individuals managing eating disorders (e.g., Bertera [J Soc Pers Relat 22:33-48, 2005]). The current study set out to understand the specific qualities of supportive interactions those with eating disorders receive from their health care practitioners and report as beneficial as well as the types of support perceived as unhelpful. Through one-on-one interviews with 34 individuals managing eating disorders, the transcribed data indicate recurring forms of helpful and unhelpful social support received from health care professionals. Helpful forms of social support identified include facilitating treatment, encouraging elaboration, holding accountable, demonstrating compassion, and conveying acceptance. Unhelpful forms of support include lecture, use of coercion, discouragement, and criticism. Descriptive explanations of coded findings and implications for application are discussed.