Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026
04:48
Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System
Published on: May 8, 2018
Conversion Practices in Eating Disorder Treatment: A Lived Experience Narrative.
Cody Spadaccini1, Kai Schweizer2,3
1Independent Researcher and Lived Experience Advocate, Western Australia, Australia.
Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
|June 23, 2026
Summary
Gender identity conversion practices in eating disorder treatment cause significant psychological harm. Safeguarding against these harmful practices is crucial for gender-affirming care in mental health settings.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Gender Studies
- Healthcare Ethics
Background:
- Conversion practices aim to alter sexual orientation or gender identity.
- These practices, often in faith-based settings, also occur in secular healthcare.
- Conversion practices are linked to severe psychological distress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a lived experience account of gender identity conversion practices.
- To examine these practices within inpatient eating disorder (ED) treatment.
- To map the experience to definitions of conversion practices and their impact.
Main Methods:
- A narrative account of a young trans man's inpatient ED treatment.
- Analysis of the experience against established definitions of conversion practices.
Main Results:
- Inpatient ED treatment pathologized gender diversity.
- Coercion and institutional power enforced cisnormative outcomes.
- Gender-affirming care was withheld, delayed, or problematized.
- Enduring psychological harm and treatment disengagement resulted.
Conclusions:
- Urgent need to protect against conversion practices in mental health settings.
- Ensuring eating disorder treatment is gender-affirming is essential.
- Lived experiences highlight critical areas for safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
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