A qualitative study on veganism and eating disorders
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploration of the relationship between veganism and adult eating disorders: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.
IRAS ID
307969
Contact name
Rory O'Connor
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 17 days
Research summary
Background: Research suggests that the prevalence of eating disorders is increasing. Similarly, is the number of people who identify as vegan. Anecdotal evidence suggests that veganism may be more prevalent in the Eating Disorder (ED) population. This, however, is a developing area of research, and the relationship between veganism and EDs is still unclear. Hence, there is a need for further research on the topic within a clinical population.
Aim: This study aims to explore the relationship between veganism and EDs amongst patients in an adult ED service. The study will also examine whether self-reported motives for identifying as vegan play a role in the aetiology and maintenance of EDs.
Methods: This qualitative study will aim to recruit eight participants from the NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Adult Eating Disorder Service or local Community Mental Health Teams. They will be invited to take part in an individual, semi-structured interview, which will last between 45-60 minutes. Demographic information will also be collected. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis will be applied to the transcribed data to identify themes, which can be used to answer the research questions.
This study will be funded by University of Glasgow.
REC name
West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/WM/0133
Date of REC Opinion
13 Jun 2022
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion