ED: Shame & Pride in Help-seeking & Motivation to Change
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Eating Disorders (ED): The Role of Shame and Pride in Help-seeking and Motivation to Change
IRAS ID
351162
Contact name
Cintia Faija
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 8 months, 25 days
Research summary
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, 2019) state over 700,000 people in the UK have an eating disorder but this is likely to be an underestimate, due to many people not seeking help or presenting to health services for diagnosis and support. This is concerning as eating disorders, particularly Anorexia nervosa, have the highest mortality rate among mental health disorders (Arcelus et al., 2011; NICE, 2019), suggesting these figures may also be underestimated. Literature has suggested shame and guilt play a key role in the development and maintenance of eating disorders, as well as difficulties with emotions (Espeset et al., 2012; Meule et al., 2004). However, there has been less of a focus on pride and its role within eating disorders, as it also appears to play a role (Castonguay et al., 2012).
This study aims to gather an in-depth understanding of the role of shame and pride in help-seeking and motivation to change in biological females aged 18-25 years old experiencing eating disorder symptoms, screened by a widely used questionnaire. The study aims to recruit 13-18 participants through the NHS or self-referral via the community, social media, charities and universities. Participants will take part in an online semi-structured interview exploring their experiences with the hope findings will improve accesses to services and treatment, as the earlier treatment the better the outcomes (Linardon et al., 2016). The study is funded by the University of Liverpool as part of the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology course.
REC name
HSC REC B
REC reference
25/NI/0005
Date of REC Opinion
5 Feb 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion