A thematic analysis of letters written to T1D and ED.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
All the things I would say: A thematic analysis of letters written to type 1 diabetes and an eating disorder by individuals with type 1 diabetes and an eating disorder (T1DE).
IRAS ID
340832
Contact name
Jennifer Heath
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Hertfordshire
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
cLMS/PGR/UH/05560, University of Hertfordshire ethical approval for recruitent of non-clinical population
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 21 days
Research summary
Previous research has highlighted that current interventions are unsuccessful in helping those who have Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) and an eating disorder (ED) (T1ED). Identity and how one relates to diagnosis has been found to be important factors in both ED and T1DM.
This study will aim to answer:
-‘How do individuals with T1ED relate to their T1DM and ED and what impact do these diagnoses have on their identity?’
-What is the role of identity and relationship with diagnoses in maintaining T1ED?
Participants for this study will be individuals who:
-Have a current or previous diagnosis of T1DM and an ED
-Are not currently an inpatient
-Are able to speak or write in English
-Are able to understand written English
-Currently living in the UK.
Participants will be recruited from a North London Mental Health Partnership NHS Adult Eating Disorder Service.
Participants will be asked to complete a 10-15 min online survey. Those who are eligible will then be asked to write two letters. One addressed to their T1DM and the other to their ED. The purpose of the letters is to explore participant's relationship with their diagnoses and the impact on their identity. The study can be completed in the location of the participant's choosing. The time the letters will take depends on the preference of the participant, but they will be given four weeks total to complete them.
Participants will be provided with the primary researchers details if they need to ask any questions and with information for seeking further support should they feel they need it at any stage of the study.
The information gathered in this research will help contribute to current gaps in research and possibly help shape the support and therapy provided to those with T1ED so it is more helpful.Summary of results
Letters written to type 1 diabetes (T1D) found that participants felt significant resentment to towards their T1D due to the control diabetes had over their lives, the significant burden it placed upon them from a young age, and the losses they faced as a result of their diabetes. In addition, participants wrote of the relentlessness of their T1D resulting in feelings of exhaustion and sadness that this relentlessness will never ease. There was a significant impact of T1D on participant's identity. T1D overtook individual's identity, making them known as 'the diabetic one', T1D being the only thing others cared about and placed them on the outside of social groups. Participants did also, however, shared that T1D showed them they possessed traits such as resilience.
Letters to participant's eating disorder (ED), showed that initially, the ED provided them with something they needed. This included a break from the control of T1D, emotional numbness and a feeling of safety. In addition, the ED counteracted the impact T1D was felt to have on identity. The ED made individuals included in social group and increased their confidence. As time progressed, however, individual's felt compelted controlled by their ED, feeling like 'a slave' where they had to follow the ED's demands, to the point of severe physical consequences.REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/LO/0400
Date of REC Opinion
6 Jun 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion