Experiences of binge eating among clients attending a weight management service

Cawley, Mary Rosaleen (2008) Experiences of binge eating among clients attending a weight management service. D Clin Psy thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Objectives: Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is prevalent in individuals with morbid obesity and it can impact on weight loss treatment outcomes. This study used Leventhal's selfregulatory model of illness behaviour as a framework for eight semi-structured interviews in order to gain an insight into participants' experiences of obesity and binge eating. Design: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IP A) was used to explore participants' experiences of obesity and binge eating in a small sample of participants attending a weight managment service.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight participants who had BED and were attending a specialist weight management service for weight loss treatment. The interview transcripts were analysed using IPA. Results: Two superordinate themes emerged from the analysis and an analytic narrative was constructed under the headings 'struggle with weight loss' and 'standing in the way of control.' The concept of control was central to both of the emergent themes as the participants perceived a lack of control over their eating and their ability to lose weight.

Conclusions: The results revealed that there was a complex and cyclical relationship between weight loss attempts and binge eating. A number of implications for clinical practice and future research are outlined.

• Item Type: Thesis (D Clin Psy)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Psychology, compulsive eating, eating disorders.
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
• Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Supervisor's Name: Wilson, Dr. Sarah and Boyle, Dr. Susan
• Date of Award: 2008
• Depositing User: Mrs Marie Cairney
• Unique ID: glathesis:2008-82322
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 13 Jul 2021 14:48
• Last Modified: 13 Jul 2021 14:48
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.82322
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/82322