Family perspectives on ARFID: a narrative approach
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Family perspectives on ARFID: A narrative exploration of life with Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder.
IRAS ID
351179
Contact name
Elizabeth Shade
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Canterbury Christ Church University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 28 days
Research summary
Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder characterized by not eating enough food, or enough of a variety, to meet energy and nutritional needs, not in relation to body-image concerns or lack of food availability. ARFID can be present at any age, however, onset is usually seen in childhood.
Treatment approaches, and theories of ARFID vary internationally and within the NHS. Since it's recognition as a mental health diagnosis in 2013, services and pathways are currently being developed, and journals are encouraging publication submissions.
This research aims to capture the stories of parents of children with Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). It will involve interviewing 14 sets of parents, whose children have been diagnosed with ARFID to hear the stories they tell about their experience of having a child with ARFID, dominant narratives that emerge from their stories and narratives around treatment and the future for their children.
The hope is that this will provide insight into how families experience ARFID, the impact it has on family life and hopes for treatment, to better inform clinical approaches and care.
This qualitative study will involve interviewing parents/caregiver of children aged 4-18 with a diagnosis of ARFID, using a narrative approach. Participants will be recruited through advertisments placed on social media ARFID parent support groups, as well as
in the South London and Maudsley NHS ARFID clinic.Narrative interviews will be conducted virtually and will be scheduled to last for 60 - 90 minutes. The interviews will be recorded and transcribed and analysed using a narrative approach to consider themes, community and dominant narratives that emerge around parents views and experiences of ARFID.
REC name
London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0199
Date of REC Opinion
28 Apr 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion