Disclosure in therapy by clients with eating difficulties: a Q-Methodology study

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Eating Disorders Research

Background:

• Disclosure in psychological therapy is vital for individuals with eating disorders.
• Understanding factors influencing disclosure is important for clinicians and researchers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore factors influencing the decision to disclose during psychological therapy among individuals with eating difficulties.
• To identify variability in these influencing factors.

Main Methods:

• A Q-sort task was administered to 37 participants recruited via a UK eating disorder charity.
• Participants sorted 47 statements reflecting influences on disclosure likelihood.
• Data were analyzed using PQ method software to extract key factors.

Main Results:

• Three factors explained 41% of the variance in disclosure decisions.
• Factor 1: Maintaining eating disorder identity.
• Factor 2: Therapeutic relationship.
• Factor 3: Personal readiness and security.

Conclusions:

• Clinicians must assess individual client influences on disclosure.
• Early intervention stages may need modification based on these influences.
• The Q-sort method could be valuable for eliciting disclosure influences.