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Free choice boosts healthy eating
A study into recovery from eating disorders, by Australian Catholic University's (ACU National), PhD candidate in clinical psychology Bridie Hellings, points to the importance of free choice.Bridie, who has just completed a PhD in psychology at ACU National, collected online data internationally from 170 people, mostly women aged in their twenties who either had or still have anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or other eating disorders.
“I asked them about processes of recovery, about what helped them to recover and what made it more difficult,” said Bridie, who is based at the University’s Melbourne Campus (St Patrick’s).
“A lot of the participants said it was very unhelpful when friends commented on their weight and family members encouraged dieting.”
In contrast, social support was most helpful. “People who had recovered said love, people helping them to think through things logically, understanding underlying issues, and providing the right environment were all helpful.”
Bridie, who has worked in a number of clinics for people with eating disorders, said recovery was hard to define.
Above all, it was important for people to take control of their own treatment. “Not being forced into treatment was good. Having your own voice was important,” she said.
“My study showed it was important for the person to decide themselves to undergo a recovery process. They had to be willing and motivated.”
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