Disordered Society: Women in Eating Disorder Recovery Advise Policymakers on Change

Adm Policy Ment Health. 2019 Mar;46(2):175-187. doi: 10.1007/s10488-018-0903-9.

Abstract

This qualitative study draws on a photo-elicitation method ("PhotoVoice") and semi-structured interviews to examine the key areas stakeholders (30 young women between the ages of 18 and 35 in eating disorder recovery) identify as meaningful venues of policy-based change. Photography and the accompanying narratives capturing personally-meaningful social, cultural, and systemic influences on recovery were shared with the research team. Photographs and interviews were examined for policy implications using thematic analysis, and six areas of improvement emerged: media, healthcare practice and access, health insurance reform, education, objectification of the female body, and mental health stigma. Implications for reform are discussed.

Keywords: Eating disorder; Health insurance reform; Media; Objectification; Policy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Body Image / psychology
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / psychology*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / therapy*
  • Female
  • Health Services Accessibility / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Insurance, Psychiatric
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Mental Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Patient Education as Topic / organization & administration
  • Photography
  • Qualitative Research
  • Social Stigma
  • Young Adult