Partners' experiences of living with a person with an eating disorder: A grounded theory study

To explore the experiences of intimate partners of people with an eating disorder.

Qualitative grounded theory study.

In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 partners of people with an eating disorder from 2013-2016. Data were analysed using the principles of classic grounded theory including, concurrent data collection and analysis, theoretical sampling, constant comparative analysis and memo writing.

Partners encounter disruptions to their lives when their significant other experiences an eating disorder. As a result, partners engage in a four-stage cyclical process involving: encountering a disruption; becoming an informed self; countering the disruption and reclaimed livability. By engaging in this process partners learn to support their significant other, remain committed to the relationship and recover their own lives. The process is drawn together and defined as the theory of 'Reconstructing Livability'.

The theory of 'Reconstructing Livability' provides a unique conceptualization of the experiences of partners who are living with a person with an eating disorder. It highlights the challenges faced by partners when supporting the recovery of their significant other and the intimate relationship, while reclaiming their own lives.

This study addresses the dearth of knowledge and understanding of partners' experiences. Partners engage in a process to enable them support recovery of their significant other and their own lives, but this is hindered by the challenges and unmet needs they experience. The theory provides a basis on which nurses can provide effective and timely supports to partners.