Exploring social support for eating disorders in Indigenous contexts

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Eating disorders impact individuals across all backgrounds.
• Euro-Western models of social support in eating disorder recovery are limited.
• Indigenous perspectives on social support are underrepresented in current research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore social support through Indigenous worldviews for individuals with eating disorders.
• To address the gap in understanding culturally relevant social networks for Indigenous peoples.
• To inform culturally sensitive eating disorder treatment approaches.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research employing an Indigenous research approach.
• Data collection through a semi-structured sharing circle (focus group) and an individual interview.
• Analysis of data using qualitative description.

Main Results:

• Two primary themes emerged: Wahkotowin (relationships between all things) and land as support and (re)connection.
• These themes highlight interconnected conceptualizations of social support from Indigenous viewpoints.
• Findings are relevant for supporting Indigenous peoples with eating disorders.

Conclusions:

• Novel insights into Indigenous perspectives on social support for eating disorder treatment.
• Expanded understanding of social support beyond immediate family to include broader relationships and land-based healing.
• Emphasizes the need for integrating Indigenous perspectives and culturally specific support systems in eating disorder research and care.