The tipping point of change in Anorexia Nervosa (AN): Qualitative findings from an online study |
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| Authors: | Sarah Fogarty Lucie M. Ramjan |
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| Affiliation: | 1. School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia;2. National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australias.fogarty@westernsydney.edu.au;4. School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia;5. Centre for Applied Nursing Research, Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia |
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| Abstract: | The aim of this study was to understand factors related to treatment and/or recovery from self-reported Anorexia Nervosa (AN), including ‘the tipping point of change’. An online questionnaire was developed and administered from December 2014 to December 2015 to individuals ≥18 years of age with AN in the past or currently who were recruited through eating disorder organizations in Australia and the United Kingdom. Responses to a specific qualitative question on ‘the tipping point of change’ were analyzed using conventional content analysis (CCA). One hundred sixty-one participants completed some or all of the questionnaire; only 67 women (41.61%) answered Question six on ‘the tipping point of change’, and analyses were restricted to data from these women. The themes identified were: 1) realizing the loss of something valuable, 2) the risk of losing something valuable, and 3) something to live for/stay well for. These results are important for health-care providers as they work with patients to identify life experiences, including ‘loss/potential loss’ and ‘the need for preservation’, that have personal significance. Some patients may realize that ‘enough is enough’; something needs to change. These intrinsic motivating factors may also be the impetus for eventual recovery for some individuals. |
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| Keywords: | Anorexia Nervosa tipping point of change |
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