Negative childhood events and the development of the anorexic voice: A grounded theory.

Morrison, Jet, Williams, Marc O ORCID: 0000-0001-7623-6085 and Fox, John RE ORCID: 0000-0003-3039-8024 (2022) Negative childhood events and the development of the anorexic voice: A grounded theory. Psychology and psychotherapy, 95 (4). pp. 1018-1035.

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/papt.12416

Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>Many individuals diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN) describe their disorder as being represented by an internal 'anorexic voice' (AV). Previous studies have identified associations between eating psychopathology and multifarious forms of adverse life experiences.<h4>Aims</h4>This study explores the relationship between adverse experiences in childhood and the development of the AV.<h4>Materials and methods</h4>Twelve women who had the experience of the AV in the context of a diagnosis of AN took part in semi-structured interviews. The interview data were analysed using a constructivist grounded theory methodology.<h4>Results</h4>Participants recalled feeling unsafe in a variety of relationships and a theory was constructed in which the AV provides a sense of conditional safety, becoming increasingly hostile and belittling when it is disobeyed, revealing similar characteristics to abusers and bullies in childhood.<h4>Discussion</h4>Findings are related to the broader literature on the link between trauma and eating disorders, and to existing theories of internal voices.<h4>Conclusions</h4>The findings have implications for a trauma-focused approach when working with the AV.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Humans, Emotions, Anorexia Nervosa, Female, Grounded Theory, Feeding and Eating Disorders
Divisions:	Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Population Health
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	25 Apr 2023 08:22
Last Modified:	25 Apr 2023 08:22
DOI:	10.1111/papt.12416
Open Access URL:	https://doi.org/10.1111/papt.12416
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3169953