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Habibagahi K, Ferrari M. Advocacy through storytelling: challenging eating disorders and eating disorders stigma. J Eat Disord 2024; 12:145. [PMID: 39300517 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-024-01099-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although eating disorders (EDs) are among the most stigmatised mental illnesses, a number of individuals break past this stigma and engage in ED advocacy by sharing their recovery stories. Little is known, however, about the role of such advocacy in their healing journeys. METHODS To bridge this gap, the authors examined the role of autobiographical oral storytelling in the ED recovery of adult advocates. Autobiographical oral history interviews were carried out with adult advocates (n = 16) recovering from EDs. The data were analysed using a mixture of actantial and thematic analyses. Authors also used activity theory to categorise how storytelling was translated into concrete social actions. Results were then interpreted through frameworks of embodiment and the intersectionality of identity. RESULTS Advocates chose to share their ED stories as a way to embody resilience and make meaning from their ED experiences. Beyond personal gains, the social benefits of sharing their stories included raising hope and openness to converse further with audiences, advocating for greater ED resources (e.g., ED literacy among school staff), and offering new training initiatives for healthcare professionals. The ties between storytelling and the unique aspects of one's identity are also discussed. CONCLUSIONS Engaging in advocacy through storytelling can positively affect both the advocates and the audiences with whom they connect. Future studies, informed by feminist biopsychosocial frameworks, can examine storytelling as a therapeutic intervention. Such frameworks serve as alternatives to biomedical models of EDs and mental illnesses. They also emphasise the need for broader changes that destabilise oppressive body cultures and display how storytelling can help mobilise change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiana Habibagahi
- Department of Applied Psychology & Human Development, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
- Lyle S. Hallman Faculty of Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier University, Kitchener, Canada.
| | - Michel Ferrari
- Department of Applied Psychology & Human Development, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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2
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Abbott S, Denton A, Wong SH, Mollan SP, Bul KCM. Weight management communications in idiopathic intracranial hypertension: challenges and recommendations from the patients' perspective. BMJ Neurol Open 2023; 5:e000527. [PMID: 38116470 PMCID: PMC10729070 DOI: 10.1136/bmjno-2023-000527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a neurometabolic condition severely impacting the quality of life of people living with IIH (PwIIH). Most PwIIH are overweight or live with obesity, and weight loss is recommended by healthcare professionals (HCPs) as it is central to disease management. There is currently no research evaluating patient-clinician interactions when discussing weight management in IIH. The aim of this study was to evaluate the patient experience of communication with HCPs regarding weight management from the perspective of PwIIH. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was developed and distributed by the IIH UK charity via their mailing list and social media network. Eligible participants were adults with IIH who have been recommended to lose weight by their HCP. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise quantitative responses and content analysis was used to inductively draw out themes from open-ended free-text responses. Results There were 625 respondents. One-fifth of PwIIH (n=127/603, 21%) felt that HCPs were supportive and empathetic about weight management. Five themes were identified on how experiences regarding weight management for IIH can be improved, with PwIIH recommending for HCPs to: (1) detail the relationship between IIH and weight, (2) individualise care, (3) give advice, (4) provide support and (5) adapt communication. Conclusion The majority of PwIIH recalled a poor experience and negative emotions when engaged in discussions regarding weight management with their HCPs. Further research should explore the HCPs perspective and evaluate interventions aiming to improve the quality of patient-HCPs communication in IIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Abbott
- Institute for Health and Wellbeing, Centre for Healthcare and Communities, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
- Department of Dietetics, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Sui H Wong
- Department of Neuro-Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Medical Eye Unit, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
- Institute of Neurology, Department of Clinical and Movement Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK
| | - Susan P Mollan
- Birmingham Neuro-Ophthalmology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, Translational Brain Science, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Kim CM Bul
- Institute for Health and Wellbeing, Centre for Intelligent Healthcare, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
- Renal Services, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
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3
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Chapman L, Cartwright-Hatton S, Lester KJ. "I think it is woven through me, and sadly that means it is woven through our family life": the experiences and support needs of mothers with eating disorders. J Eat Disord 2023; 11:147. [PMID: 37644486 PMCID: PMC10466810 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-023-00868-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eating disorders may disrupt parenting, and there is evidence to suggest that the children of parents with eating disorders are at greater risk for the development of eating disorders themselves. This study sought to broaden and extend current understandings of the lived experiences of mothers who have eating disorders. METHOD A qualitative study using thematic analysis was conducted. Eighteen mothers living in the UK, USA, and Australia took part in semi-structured online interviews. Participants were mothers to at least one child aged two years or older, had received a lifetime diagnosis of one or more eating disorders, and reported experiencing symptoms since becoming a parent. RESULTS Data were analysed using an inductive approach to reflexive thematic analysis. Four major themes, each with subthemes, were identified. These were: parenthood as a double-edged sword; the eating disorder impacts on parenting; blame and burden; and seeking support. CONCLUSIONS The lived experiences of mothers indicate a complex relationship between eating disorders and parenthood. While parenting can impact eating disorders, eating disorders can also impact parenting, in a range of ways that extend beyond the domains of food, eating and the body. There is a pressing need for the development of specialised, non-judgemental support options for parents with eating disorders and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Chapman
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QH, UK.
| | | | - Kathryn J Lester
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QH, UK.
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Doley JR, McLean SA. Engagement with body image health promotion videos in adult men and women: differences between narrative, informational, and persuasive appeal approaches. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:86. [PMID: 36991488 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01120-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Body dissatisfaction is a public health issue, however, low awareness of its seriousness, and stigma, may inhibit treatment seeking. The current study evaluated engagement with videos promoting awareness of body dissatisfaction using a persuasive communication approach. METHOD Men (n = 283) and women (n = 290) were randomly allocated to view one of five videos; (1) Narrative, (2) Narrative plus persuasive appeal, (3) Informational, (4) Informational plus persuasive appeal and (5) Persuasive appeal only. Engagement (relevance, interest, and compassion) was examined post-viewing. RESULTS Among both men and women, superior engagement ratings (in compassion for women, and relevance and compassion for men) were demonstrated for the persuasive appeal and informational videos relative to narrative approaches. CONCLUSION Videos using clear and factual approaches may promote engagement in body image health promotion videos. Further work should be done to examine interest in such videos specific to men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo R Doley
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC, 8001, Australia.
| | - Siân A McLean
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
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5
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Prevention and early intervention in eating disorders: findings from a rapid review. J Eat Disord 2023; 11:38. [PMID: 36899428 PMCID: PMC9999654 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-023-00758-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eating disorders (EDs) are complex psychological disorders, with low rates of detection and early intervention. They can lead to significant mental and physical health complications, especially if intervention is delayed. Given high rates of morbidity and mortality, low treatment uptake, and significant rates of relapse, it is important to examine prevention, early intervention, and early recognition initiatives. The aim of this review is to identify and evaluate literature on preventative and early intervention programs in EDs. METHODS This paper is one of a series of Rapid Reviews, designed to inform the Australian National Eating Disorders Research and Translation Strategy 2021-2031, funded, and released by the Australian Government. To provide a current and rigorous review, peer-reviewed articles between 2009 and 2021 published in English were searched across three databases: ScienceDirect, PubMed and Ovid/Medline. Priority was given to high-level evidence including meta-analyses, systematic reviews, Randomised Control Trials, and large population studies. Findings from selected studies pertaining to prevention and early intervention in EDs were evaluated and are presented in this review. RESULTS In total, 130 studies were identified in the current review, 72% relating to prevention and 28% to early intervention. Most programs were theory-driven and targeted one or more ED risk factors such as thin-ideal internalisation and/or body dissatisfaction. There is reasonable evidence to support prevention programs reducing risk factors, particularly as part of school or university-based programs, with established feasibility and relatively high acceptance among students. There is increasing evidence around the use of technology (to increase dissemination potential) and for use of mindfulness approaches (targeting emotional resilience). Few longitudinal studies assessing incident cases following participation in a prevention program exist. CONCLUSIONS Although several prevention and early intervention programs have been shown to significantly reduce risk factors, promote symptom recognition, and encourage help-seeking behaviour, most of these studies have been conducted in older adolescent and university aged students, past the age of peak ED onset. One of the most targeted risk factors, body dissatisfaction, is found in girls as young as 6 years old, indicating a need for further research implementing prevention initiatives at younger ages. Follow-up research is limited; thus, the long-term efficacy and effectiveness of studied programs is unknown. Greater attention should be paid to the implementation of prevention and early intervention programs in identified high-risk cohorts or diverse groups, where a more targeted approach may be necessary.
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Roberts CJ, Hurst HT, Hardwicke J. Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating in Competitive Cycling: A Scoping Review. Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 12:bs12120490. [PMID: 36546973 PMCID: PMC9774887 DOI: 10.3390/bs12120490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
This article reports on the findings from a scoping review on eating disorders and disordered eating in competitive cycling. The review was informed by a scoping review methodological framework as well as the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) reporting guidelines. PubMed, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science were used to identify relevant literature for review. Fourteen studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the full review. A narrative synthesis was used to summarise the main findings and themes across the included literature. Findings from the review are presented under the following themes: cycling as an 'at-risk' discipline; power to weight ratio; energy requirements and risk of low energy availability; the social environment of cycling; nutrition support provision; relationship between eating disorders/disordered eating and exercise addiction; and recommendations made in identified literature. Overall, the literature suggests competitive cycling is a sport with a high prevalence of disordered eating and/or eating disorders and a sport with unique risk factors that contribute to this. Crucially, more research is needed in this area. The article concludes with the gaps in the literature highlighted, implications for future research, and applications to policy and practice suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlie Jon Roberts
- Centre for Physical Activity and Life Sciences, University of Northampton, Northampton NN1 5PH, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Howard Thomas Hurst
- Centre for Applied Sport Physical Activity and Performance, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
| | - Jack Hardwicke
- Centre for Physical Activity and Life Sciences, University of Northampton, Northampton NN1 5PH, UK
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Rasset P, Mange J, Montalan B, Stutterheim SE. Towards a better understanding of the social stigma of facial difference. Body Image 2022; 43:450-462. [PMID: 36345083 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Facial difference (FD) is not only an individual experience; it is inherently social, reflecting interactions between social norms and individual attitudes. Often FD is stigmatized. In this paper, we employ a widely used stigma framework, namely the social stigma framework put forth by Pryor and Reeder (2011), to unpack the stigma of FD. This framework posits that there are four forms of stigma: public stigma, self-stigma, stigma by association, and structural stigma. We first discuss the social and psychological literature on FD as it pertains to these various forms of stigma. We then describe coping approaches for FD stigma. Lastly, we delineate evidence-based methods for addressing the various forms of FD stigma, such that future efforts can more effectively tackle the stigma of facial difference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Rasset
- Laboratoire de Psychologie de Caen Normandie (LPCN EA 7452), Université de Caen Normandie, France.
| | - Jessica Mange
- Laboratoire de Psychologie de Caen Normandie (LPCN EA 7452), Université de Caen Normandie, France
| | - Benoît Montalan
- Centre de Recherche sur les Fonctionnements et Dysfonctionnements Psychologiques (CRFDP EA 7475), Université de Rouen Normandie, France
| | - Sarah E Stutterheim
- Department of Health Promotion, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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8
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Thornicroft G, Sunkel C, Alikhon Aliev A, Baker S, Brohan E, El Chammay R, Davies K, Demissie M, Duncan J, Fekadu W, Gronholm PC, Guerrero Z, Gurung D, Habtamu K, Hanlon C, Heim E, Henderson C, Hijazi Z, Hoffman C, Hosny N, Huang FX, Kline S, Kohrt BA, Lempp H, Li J, London E, Ma N, Mak WWS, Makhmud A, Maulik PK, Milenova M, Morales Cano G, Ouali U, Parry S, Rangaswamy T, Rüsch N, Sabri T, Sartorius N, Schulze M, Stuart H, Taylor Salisbury T, Vera San Juan N, Votruba N, Winkler P. The Lancet Commission on ending stigma and discrimination in mental health. Lancet 2022; 400:1438-1480. [PMID: 36223799 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)01470-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Graham Thornicroft
- Centre for Global Mental Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, King's College London, London UK; Centre for Implementation Science, King's College London, London UK.
| | | | - Akmal Alikhon Aliev
- National Institute of Mental Health (Czechia), WHO Collaborating Centre for Public Mental Health Research and Service Development, Klecany, Czechia
| | - Sue Baker
- Mind international, London, UK; Changing Minds Globally, London, UK
| | - Elaine Brohan
- Centre for Global Mental Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, King's College London, London UK
| | | | - Kelly Davies
- Centre for Implementation Science, King's College London, London UK
| | - Mekdes Demissie
- College of Health Sciences and Medicine, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Haramaya University, Ethiopia; Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Studies for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
| | | | - Wubalem Fekadu
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Petra C Gronholm
- Centre for Global Mental Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, King's College London, London UK; Centre for Implementation Science, King's College London, London UK
| | - Zoe Guerrero
- National Institute of Mental Health (Czechia), WHO Collaborating Centre for Public Mental Health Research and Service Development, Klecany, Czechia
| | - Dristy Gurung
- Centre for Implementation Science, King's College London, London UK; Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO), Kathmandu Nepal
| | - Kassahun Habtamu
- Addis Ababa University, School of Psychology, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Charlotte Hanlon
- Centre for Global Mental Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, King's College London, London UK; WHO Collaborating Centre for Mental Health Research and Training, King's College London, London UK; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Eva Heim
- Institut de Psychologie, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Claire Henderson
- Centre for Global Mental Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, King's College London, London UK
| | | | | | - Nadine Hosny
- Institut de Psychologie, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Brandon A Kohrt
- Division of Global Mental Health, George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
| | - Heidi Lempp
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, and Academic Department of Rheumatology, King's College London, London UK
| | - Jie Li
- Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Ning Ma
- Institute of Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Winnie W S Mak
- Department of Psychology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Akerke Makhmud
- Centre for Global Mental Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, King's College London, London UK; Centre for Implementation Science, King's College London, London UK
| | - Pallab K Maulik
- George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi, India; University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Maria Milenova
- Centre for Global Mental Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, King's College London, London UK; Centre for Implementation Science, King's College London, London UK
| | | | - Uta Ouali
- Razi Hospital and El Manar Medical School, University of Tunis, La Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Sarah Parry
- South London and the Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Nicolas Rüsch
- Department of Psychiatry II, Ulm University and BKH Günzburg, Ulm, Germany; Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik, Bezirkskrankenhaus Günzburg, Günzburg, Germany
| | - Taha Sabri
- Taskeen Health Initiative, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Norman Sartorius
- Association for the Improvement of Mental health Programs, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Tatiana Taylor Salisbury
- Centre for Global Mental Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, King's College London, London UK
| | - Norha Vera San Juan
- Health Service and Population Research Department, King's College London, London UK
| | - Nicole Votruba
- and Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Petr Winkler
- National Institute of Mental Health (Czechia), WHO Collaborating Centre for Public Mental Health Research and Service Development, Klecany, Czechia
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Rose KL, Negrete CE, Sellinger G, Chang T, Sonneville KR. Adolescent and emerging adult perceptions of eating disorder severity and stigma. Int J Eat Disord 2022; 55:1296-1304. [PMID: 35866318 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Eating disorders are one of the deadliest mental health conditions, yet most individuals with eating disorders never receive treatment. Previous research has explored barriers to treatment among individuals diagnosed with eating disorders, but little is known about general adolescent and emerging adult perceptions of eating disorders, as compared to other mental health illnesses, a population at greatest risk for developing an eating disorder, and a population that may be important sources of information or support for peers. METHOD A sample of adolescents and emerging adults aged 14-24 years (mean age 19 years) from MyVoice, a national text-message-based cohort (53% female, 38% male, 9% other, race/ethnicity 63% White, 10% Black or African American, 13% Asian, 9% Mixed Race, and 5% Other) provided open-ended responses to questions on the severity of eating disorders as compared to other mental health diagnoses, others' perceptions of eating disorders and potential treatment barriers. Responses were collected using a secure online platform and analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS Among respondents (n = 792/1283), 91% felt that eating disorders were a mental health condition and 65% felt that eating disorders were as serious as other mental health conditions, while 21% said they were more serious than other mental health conditions. Responses to questions related to perception and barriers illustrated that beliefs of eating disorders involve blame, stigma, and overall lack of understanding. DISCUSSION Findings from this study illustrate that there is a lack of understanding around eating disorders that could be addressed in youth-focused initiatives. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE Adolescents and emerging adults understand that eating disorders are severe mental illnesses that are not taken seriously by others, especially in comparison with other mental health diagnoses. Adolescents and emerging adults report that individuals with eating disorders are blamed for their condition and face shame and stigma. The lack of understanding around eating disorders should be addressed in youth-focused prevention initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey L Rose
- Department of Adolescent Health, Department of Primary Care, Michigan Medicine
| | | | | | - Tammy Chang
- Department of Family Medicine, Michigan Medicine, Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan
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A Retrospective Literature Review of Eating Disorder Research (1990–2021): Application of Bibliometrics and Topical Trends. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137710. [PMID: 35805366 PMCID: PMC9265657 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite the growing importance of eating disorders in society and academic literature, only a few bibliometric review studies using bibliometric analysis were available. Hence, this study aimed to explore and uncover hidden research topics and patterns in articles in terms of eating disorders over the last 30 years. In total, 4111 articles on eating disorders were analyzed using bibliometrics, network analyses, and structural topic modeling as the basis of mixed methods. In addition to general statistics about the journal, several key research topics, such as eating disorder (ED) treatment, ED symptoms, factors triggering ED, family related factors, eating behaviors, and social factors, were found based on topic correlations. This study found the key research variables that are frequently studied with EDs, such as AN, BN, BED, and ARFID. This study may help clinicians comprehend important risk factors associated with EDs. Moreover, the findings about key ED research topics and their association can be helpful for future studies to construct a comprehensive ED research framework. To our knowledge, this is the first study to use topic modeling in an academic journal on EDs and examine the diversity in ED research over 30 years of published research.
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Feldhege J, Bilic S, Ali K, Fassnacht DB, Moessner M, Farrer LM, Griffiths KM, Bauer S. Knowledge and Myths about Eating Disorders in a German Adolescent Sample: A Preliminary Investigation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116861. [PMID: 35682445 PMCID: PMC9180431 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Eating disorder mental health literacy (ED-MHL) refers to knowledge about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of eating disorders (EDs) and is an important factor in people’s attitudes towards individuals with EDs and help-seeking for EDs. Associations between ED-MHL, stigma, ED symptomatology, and gender were investigated in a sample of N = 194 German high school students. Knowledge and myths about EDs were assessed with 18 factual statements about EDs and agreement/disagreement with common myths about ED. Students also completed the Universal Stigma Scale (USS), the Weight Concerns Scale (WCS), and demographic items. Students judged M = 8.39 (SD = 3.40) statements correctly, while the average agreement with all ED myths was low (M = 0.19, SD = 0.14). Greater ED-MHL was associated with lower stigmatization of EDs. Male participants were less knowledgeable and more likely to agree with the ED myths. Participants displayed moderate ED-MHL; however, certain aspects such as ED risk factors or symptoms of specific disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa were less well known. These results can inform the design of future MHL interventions for adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Feldhege
- Center for Psychotherapy Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.B.); (M.M.); (S.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Sally Bilic
- Center for Psychotherapy Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.B.); (M.M.); (S.B.)
| | - Kathina Ali
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, Australia; (K.A.); (D.B.F.)
- Órama Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, Australia
- Research School of Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra 2601, Australia;
| | - Daniel B. Fassnacht
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, Australia; (K.A.); (D.B.F.)
- Órama Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Flinders University, Adelaide 5042, Australia
- Research School of Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra 2601, Australia;
| | - Markus Moessner
- Center for Psychotherapy Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.B.); (M.M.); (S.B.)
| | - Louise M. Farrer
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University, Canberra 2601, Australia;
| | - Kathleen M. Griffiths
- Research School of Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra 2601, Australia;
- College of Health & Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra 2601, Australia
| | - Stephanie Bauer
- Center for Psychotherapy Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.B.); (M.M.); (S.B.)
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Fearon N, Sudlow A, le Roux CW, Pournaras DJ, Welbourn R. Say what you mean, mean what you say: The importance of language in the treatment of obesity. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2022; 30:1189-1196. [PMID: 35674695 DOI: 10.1002/oby.23446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Obesity is a highly stigmatized disease, and despite the understanding of the processes involved, negative language reinforcing outdated views of obesity persists within the scientific literature. This is the first study, to the authors' knowledge, to determine how widespread stigmatizing language is within publications on obesity and examine its impact on patients. METHODS Two standard terms within obesity publications were identified, and a literature search was carried out to determine their prevalence. A parallel qualitative analysis was conducted with patients with obesity to determine perceptions of these terms. RESULTS Of the 3,020 papers screened, 2.4% included the term fail, and 16.8% contained morbid used in conjunction with obesity. Sixteen patients participated in the qualitative analysis. They felt that negative language, particularly failure, implied a personal responsibility for lack of weight loss. Clinically meaningful terminology fostered a more constructive relationship with health care providers. CONCLUSIONS Although most journals object to overtly stigmatizing language, using phrases or words that carry negative connotations is less clearly discouraged. It is important to recognize that language that implies a moral responsibility for weight loss or the development of obesity contradicts the well-established evidence base that obesity results from complex biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Fearon
- Department of Upper Gastrointestinal and Bariatric Surgery, St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alexis Sudlow
- Department of Upper Gastrointestinal and Bariatric Surgery, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | - Carel W le Roux
- Department of Experimental Pathology, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Dimitri J Pournaras
- Department of Upper Gastrointestinal and Bariatric Surgery, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | - Richard Welbourn
- Department of Upper Gastrointestinal and Bariatric Surgery, Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, UK
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13
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Bray B, Bray C, Bradley R, Zwickey H. Binge Eating Disorder Is a Social Justice Issue: A Cross-Sectional Mixed-Methods Study of Binge Eating Disorder Experts' Opinions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:6243. [PMID: 35627779 PMCID: PMC9141064 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19106243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Binge eating disorder is an autonomous DSM-V diagnosis characterized by discrete rapid consumption of objectively large amounts of food without compensation, associated with loss of control and distress. Environmental factors that contribute to binge eating disorder continue to evolve. This mixed-methods cross-sectional study assessed whether there is consensus among experts in the field about environmental factors that influence adult binge eating disorder pathology. METHODS Fourteen expert binge eating disorder researchers, clinicians, and healthcare administrators were identified internationally based on federal funding, PubMed-indexed publications, active practice in the field, leadership in relevant societies, and/or clinical and popular press distinction. Semi-structured interviews were recorded anonymously and analyzed by ≥2 investigators using reflexive thematic analysis and quantification. RESULTS Identified themes included: (1) systemic issues and systems of oppression (100%); (2) marginalized and under-represented populations (100%); (3) economic precarity and food/nutrition insecurity/scarcity (93%); (4) stigmatization and its psychological impacts (93%); (5) trauma and adversity (79%); (6) interpersonal factors (64%); (7) social messaging and social media (50%); (8) predatory food industry practices (29%); and (9) research/clinical gaps and directives (100%). CONCLUSIONS Overall, experts call for policy changes around systemic factors that abet binge eating and for greater public education about who can have binge eating disorder. There is also a call to take and account for the narratives and life experiences of individuals with binge eating disorder to better inform our current understanding of the diagnosis and the environmental factors that impact it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenna Bray
- Helfgott Research Institute, National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, OR 97201, USA; (R.B.); (H.Z.)
| | - Chris Bray
- Wilder Research Division, Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, Saint Paul, MN 55104, USA;
| | - Ryan Bradley
- Helfgott Research Institute, National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, OR 97201, USA; (R.B.); (H.Z.)
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, University of California, San Diego, CA 97037, USA
| | - Heather Zwickey
- Helfgott Research Institute, National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, OR 97201, USA; (R.B.); (H.Z.)
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, University of California, San Diego, CA 97037, USA
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14
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Torres-Castaño A, Delgado-Rodríguez J, Pino-Sedeño TD, Estaña Malaret D, de Pascual AM, Toledo-Chávarri A, Serrano-Aguilar P. Universal programs to prevent eating disorders in children and adolescents: A scoping review of ethical, legal, organizational and social impacts. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2022; 30:706-722. [PMID: 35484693 DOI: 10.1002/erv.2909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Appropriate and timely consideration of ethical, legal, organizational, and social issues in universal preventive programs for eating disorders (UPPED) are relevant for the approval, funding and implementation of health-policy decision making. OBJECTIVE To identify and analyse the ethical, legal, organizational, and social aspects involved in interventions aimed at the universal prevention of eating disorders (ED) in children, pre-adolescents and adolescents in the school settings. METHOD A scoping review of the literature was carried out. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, and Social Science Citation Index were searched for studies published in English or Spanish. The quality of the studies was assessed using specific scales for each study design. RESULTS Fourteen studies were included: one scoping review; four narrative reviews, six observational studies, two qualitative studies, and one mixed methods study. Results were narratively synthesised according to: (1) equity; (2) gender perspective; (3) potential harm; (4) participants and facilitators profile; (5) feasibility; and (6) acceptability. CONCLUSIONS Interactive programs with relevant contents for participants have greater acceptability. Programs focussed on developing competencies can reduce the risk of potential harm. Incorporating a gender perspective contributes to improving equity. Teachers with prior training in ED are well suited as facilitators of these programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alezandra Torres-Castaño
- Canary Islands Health Research Insitute Foundation (FIISC), Tenerife, Spain.,The Spanish Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment and Services of the National Health System (RedETS), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Tasmania Del Pino-Sedeño
- Canary Islands Health Research Insitute Foundation (FIISC), Tenerife, Spain.,The Spanish Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment and Services of the National Health System (RedETS), Madrid, Spain.,Research Network on Health Services in Chronic Diseases (REDISSEC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Ana Toledo-Chávarri
- Canary Islands Health Research Insitute Foundation (FIISC), Tenerife, Spain.,The Spanish Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment and Services of the National Health System (RedETS), Madrid, Spain.,Research Network on Health Services in Chronic Diseases (REDISSEC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Serrano-Aguilar
- The Spanish Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment and Services of the National Health System (RedETS), Madrid, Spain.,Research Network on Health Services in Chronic Diseases (REDISSEC), Madrid, Spain.,Evaluation Unit of the Canary Islands Health Service (SESCS), Tenerife, Spain
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15
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Guy J, Bould H, Lewis G, Solmi F. Stigmatising views towards individuals with eating disorders: trends and associations from 1998 to 2008 using a repeated cross-sectional design. Br J Psychiatry 2021; 220:1-7. [PMID: 35049485 PMCID: PMC7613245 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2021.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eating disorders are stigmatised. Little is known about whether stigma has decreased over time and which groups hold more stigmatising beliefs. AIMS To explore whether stigma towards eating disorders has changed between 1998 and 2008 and whether it varies by sociodemographic characteristics. METHOD We used the Office for National Statistics Omnibus surveys 1998 and 2008. As outcomes, we selected four questions eliciting participants' views on issues of blame and ability to recover, and compared their mean scores across eating disorders, depression and alcohol dependence in both years. We used multivariable linear regressions to investigate associations between sociodemographic characteristics and each stigma domain. RESULTS In total, 2720 participants had data on all variables of interest. Compared with 1998, in 2008 stigmatising views towards eating disorders improved. In both years, participants believed it was easier to recover from eating disorders than depression or alcohol dependence. Respondents believed people with eating disorders were more to blame for their condition than those with depression, but less than those with alcohol dependence. Men, those with less formal education, and those from ethnic minority backgrounds were more likely to place greater blame on individuals for their mental illness. Men were more likely than women to think it was possible to recover from an eating disorder. CONCLUSIONS Stigmatising attitudes towards people with eating disorders have improved over time, but are still greater than those observed for other mental illnesses. Improving eating disorder mental health literacy could help to reduce these negative views and lead to improved quality of life, greater help-seeking and better prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Guy
- Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, Edward Jenner Court, Gloucester, Gloucester GL3 4AW
| | - Helen Bould
- Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, Edward Jenner Court, Gloucester, Gloucester GL3 4AW
- Centre for Academic Mental Health, Population Health Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol, United Kingdom, BS82BN
| | - Glyn Lewis
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Francesca Solmi
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
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16
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Davies A, Burnette CB, Mazzeo SE. Real women have (just the right) curves: investigating anti-thin bias in college women. Eat Weight Disord 2020; 25:1711-1718. [PMID: 31701378 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-019-00812-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Weight stigma is associated with negative mental and physical health outcomes across the body mass index (BMI) continuum. However, few studies have examined discrimination experienced by people with low body weights. OBJECTIVES This study explored the presence of anti-thin bias, defined as the belief that individuals at lower body weights have undesirable personality characteristics, in young adult women. Additionally, we examined perceived etiology of weight for women with underweight. METHOD Participants (N =295 women, age 18.84 ± 2.32) were randomly assigned to read one of the six vignettes about women who differed by race (White and Black) and BMI status (slightly underweight, average weight, and slightly overweight). RESULTS Negative personality characteristics were more likely to be ascribed to vignette characters with under- or overweight BMIs, compared to characters with average weight BMIs. Participants were more likely to attribute underweight characters' body weight to an eating disorder (ED) compared with average or overweight characters. CONCLUSION Results suggest that women with under- or overweight BMIs experience greater stigmatization for their body weight than women with average BMIs, underscoring the need for research to investigate weight discrimination across the weight spectrum. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level I, experimental study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria Davies
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, P.O. Box 842018, Richmond, VA, 23284-2018, USA.
| | - C Blair Burnette
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, P.O. Box 842018, Richmond, VA, 23284-2018, USA
| | - Suzanne E Mazzeo
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, P.O. Box 842018, Richmond, VA, 23284-2018, USA
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17
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Bullivant B, Rhydderch S, Griffiths S, Mitchison D, Mond JM. Eating disorders "mental health literacy": a scoping review. J Ment Health 2020; 29:336-349. [PMID: 32041463 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2020.1713996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: While it is apparent that much has been learned about "mental health literacy" (MHL) relating to certain mental health problems, such as depression, in recent years, what has been learned about MHL relating to eating disorders (ED-MHL) is unclear.Aims: A scoping review was conducted to inform the current state of knowledge in this field.Methods: A systematic search of relevant literature published between 1997 and 2017 was followed by a narrative synthesis of the findings.Results: The number of eligible studies increased from 32 in 1997-2001 to 98 in 2012-2017 (total = 264). Most studies originated from North America or Europe, recruited individuals with EDs receiving treatment or college students and included both female and male or only female participants. The majority of studies examined MHL relating to anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa and examined attitudes which facilitate recognition and appropriate help-seeking and knowledge and beliefs about professional help available.Conclusion: Interest in ED-MHL is increasing and there is now a considerable body of research addressing some aspects of ED-MHL in a range of study populations. Notable gaps in the literature exist, including a paucity of information about ED-MHL relating to EDs other than anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, ED behaviour in males and the use of self-help interventions. We hope the findings will provide an incentive to further research in these and other aspects of ED-MHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Bullivant
- Faculty of Medicine, Boden Institute of Obesity, Nutrition, Exercise and Eating Disorders, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Suzie Rhydderch
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Scott Griffiths
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Deborah Mitchison
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.,School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jonathan M Mond
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.,Centre for Rural Health, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia
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18
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O'Connor C, McNamara N, O'Hara L, McNicholas M, McNicholas F. How do people with eating disorders experience the stigma associated with their condition? A mixed-methods systematic review. J Ment Health 2019; 30:454-469. [PMID: 31711324 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2019.1685081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Public opinion research shows that eating disorders (EDs) are a major target of stigmatisation. To understand the implications of this stigma, research investigating how stigma is experienced by individuals with EDs is critical. AIM This paper aims to collate, evaluate and synthesise the extant empirical research illuminating how people with EDs experience the stigma associated with their condition. METHOD A systematic mixed-methods literature search was performed. Articles that met a specified set of inclusion criteria underwent a quality assessment and thematic synthesis. RESULTS Twenty-nine articles were included in the review. Studies were mostly qualitative and of reasonable methodological quality. The literature was characterised by five research themes, illuminating (i) the nature and prevalence of stigma experienced, (ii) stigma in families, (iii) stigma in healthcare contexts, (iv) self-stigmatisation and illness concealment, and (v) stigma resistance. CONCLUSIONS The reviewed research showed that people with EDs have extensive experience of stigma in diverse settings. They report that stigma has negative implications for their psychological wellbeing and likelihood of help-seeking. However, research also shows that people with EDs actively seek to resist and challenge stigma. The review identifies the outstanding gaps and weaknesses in this literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cliodhna O'Connor
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Medicine & Medical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niamh McNamara
- Department of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Lesley O'Hara
- School of Medicine & Medical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,St. John of God Hospitaller Services, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Fiona McNicholas
- School of Medicine & Medical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,St. John of God Hospitaller Services, Dublin, Ireland.,Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, Ireland
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19
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Schoen E, Brock R, Hannon J. Gender bias, other specified and unspecified feeding and eating disorders, and college students: a vignette study. Eat Disord 2019; 27:291-304. [PMID: 30081758 DOI: 10.1080/10640266.2018.1504536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
This vignette study examined perceptions of 237 male and female undergraduate students regarding two severity levels (low and high) of other specified (OSFED) and unspecified feeding and eating disorders (UFED) in their male and female peers. Multilevel modeling showed that female characters received stronger endorsements of eating pathology than male characters for similar symptom presentations. College men were more likely than college women to rate female characters as having eating disorders. Gender bias about eating disorders affected men and women differently in this study. Implications for gender-inclusive as well as gender-sensitive eating disorder outreach and prevention are discussed.
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20
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Cassone S, Rieger E, Crisp DA. Reducing anorexia nervosa stigma: an exploration of a social consensus intervention and the moderating effect of blameworthy attributions. J Ment Health 2019; 29:506-512. [PMID: 30862256 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2019.1581326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background: Research suggests that blameworthy attributions towards individuals with anorexia nervosa are common, which in turn elicit more stigmatising attitudes towards those with the disorder. The social consensus approach has been found to reduce stigmatising attitudes in various domains and, as such, is a promising avenue to pursue for ameliorating stigma in anorexia nervosa.Aims: The present study primarily sought to investigate the effectiveness of a social consensus approach in reducing stigma towards individuals with anorexia nervosa. The study also examined if blameworthy attributions were associated with change in stigma.Method: An experimental design was employed, where female undergraduate students (N= 126) completed self-report measures that assessed anorexia nervosa stigma at baseline (Time 1) and 6-10 days after allocation to one of two conditions: social consensus and control (Time 2).Results: The social consensus intervention was more effective than the control condition in reducing stigmatising attitudes on measures assessing affective reactions (p= 0.025) and characteristics attributed to a target with anorexia nervosa (p < 0.001). Level of blame-based attributions did not moderate change in stigma.Conclusions: Results suggest that a social consensus intervention is promising irrespective of the endorsement of blameworthy attributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Cassone
- Research School of Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Rieger
- Research School of Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Dimity A Crisp
- Faculty of Health, Centre for Applied Psychology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
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21
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Volpe U, Monteleone AM, Ricca V, Corsi E, Favaro A, Santonastaso P, De Giorgi S, Renna C, Abbate Daga G, Amianto F, Balestrieri M, Luxardi GL, Clerici M, Alamia A, Segura-Garcia C, Rania M, Monteleone P, Maj M. Pathways to specialist care for eating disorders: An Italian multicentre study. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2019; 27:274-282. [PMID: 30848056 DOI: 10.1002/erv.2669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Two hundred forty six patients with eating disorders (EDs) recruited from eight Italian specialized treatment centres were administered with the World Health Organization "Encounter Form," a standardized schedule that makes it possible to characterize the clinical pathways that patients follow to reach specialized care. The median time from symptoms onset to specialized care was 114 weeks. Primary "points of access to care" were general practitioners (25%), psychiatrists (18%), and clinical nutritionists (17%), followed by various other carers. All patients received specific psychotherapy, whereas only 11% of them were given psychotropic drugs. EDs are characterized by complex care pathways, with low rates of direct access to specialized care. Although the role of general practitioners remains crucial, they tend to follow different clinical routes to refer ED patients. Educational programmes on EDs should be addressed to general practitioners and clinical nutritionists, in order to ease the transition of ED patients to a mental health care setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Volpe
- Department of Mental Health, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Alessio M Monteleone
- Department of Mental Health, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Valdo Ricca
- Department of Health Sciences, Florence University School of Medicine, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisa Corsi
- Department of Health Sciences, Florence University School of Medicine, Florence, Italy
| | - Angela Favaro
- Neuroscience Department, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Serafino De Giorgi
- Dipartimento di Salute Mentale ASL Lecce, Centro per la Cura e la Ricerca sui Disturbi del Comportamento Alimentare, Lecce, Italy
| | - Caterina Renna
- Dipartimento di Salute Mentale ASL Lecce, Centro per la Cura e la Ricerca sui Disturbi del Comportamento Alimentare, Lecce, Italy
| | - Giovanni Abbate Daga
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry Section, AOU Cittá della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Federico Amianto
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry Section, AOU Cittá della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Matteo Balestrieri
- Clinica Psichiatrica, DAME, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Udine (ASUIUD), Udine, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Clerici
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Alamia
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Marianna Rania
- Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Palmiero Monteleone
- Department of Mental Health, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.,Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Section of Neuroscience, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Mario Maj
- Department of Mental Health, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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22
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Grillot CL, Keel PK. Barriers to seeking treatment for eating disorders: The role of self-recognition in understanding gender disparities in who seeks help. Int J Eat Disord 2018; 51:1285-1289. [PMID: 30488569 DOI: 10.1002/eat.22965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previous research suggests that men with eating disorders are less likely to seek treatment than are women. Given stereotypes linked to eating disorders, men may be less likely to recognize when they have an eating disorder, which could act as a barrier to treatment-seeking. METHOD The current study examined differences in self-recognition and treatment-seeking behavior by gender, controlling for other covariates, in participants with probable DSM-5 eating disorders drawn from a larger community-based sample. RESULTS Being female and self-recognition were both associated with increased likelihood of treatment-seeking while accounting for other potential covariates, including race/ethnicity, age, BMI, and comorbid disorders. DISCUSSION Results indicate that self-recognition is a barrier to seeking treatment for both genders and does not account for help-seeking differences between women and men. Findings have implications for interventions to address barriers to treatment-seeking for eating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pamela K Keel
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
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23
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Jackson-Best F, Edwards N. Stigma and intersectionality: a systematic review of systematic reviews across HIV/AIDS, mental illness, and physical disability. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:919. [PMID: 30049270 PMCID: PMC6062983 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5861-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Stigma across HIV/AIDS, mental illness, and physical disability can be co-occurring and may interact with other forms of stigma related to social identities like race, gender, and sexuality. Stigma is especially problematic for people living with these conditions because it can create barriers to accessing necessary social and structural supports, which can intensify their experiences with stigma. This review aims to contribute to the knowledge on stigma by advancing a cross-analysis of HIV/AIDS, mental illness, and physical disability stigma, and exploring whether and how intersectionality frameworks have been used in the systematic reviews of stigma. Methods A search of the literature was conducted to identify systematic reviews which investigated stigma for HIV/AIDS, mental illness and/or physical disability. The electronic databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, COCHRANE, and PsycINFO were searched for reviews published between 2005 and 2017. Data were extracted from eligible reviews on: type of systematic review and number of primary studies included in the review, study design study population(s), type(s) of stigma addressed, and destigmatizing interventions used. A keyword search was also done using the terms “intersectionality”, “intersectional”, and “intersection”; related definitions and descriptions were extracted. Matrices were used to compare the characteristics of reviews and their application of intersectional approaches across the three health conditions. Results Ninety-eight reviews met the inclusion criteria. The majority (99%) of reviews examined only one of the health conditions. Just three reviews focused on physical disability. Most reviews (94%) reported a predominance of behavioural rather than structural interventions targeting stigma in the primary studies. Only 17% of reviews used the concept and/or approach of intersectionality; all but one of these reviews examined HIV/AIDS. Conclusions The lack of systematic reviews comparing stigma across mental illness, HIV/AIDS, and physical disability indicates the need for more cross-comparative analyses among these conditions. The integration of intersectional approaches would deepen interrogations of co-occurring social identities and stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nancy Edwards
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 1 Stewart Street, Room 205, Ottawa, ON, K1N 7M9, Canada
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24
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Yan Y, Rieger E, Shou Y. Reducing the stigma associated with anorexia nervosa: An evaluation of a social consensus intervention among Australian and Chinese young women. Int J Eat Disord 2018; 51:62-70. [PMID: 29197118 DOI: 10.1002/eat.22808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined the effectiveness of a social consensus intervention in reducing stigma toward individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) among women from Australia and mainland China. Moreover, the different predictions of informational/normative social influence theory and the social identity approach in terms of the effectiveness of the social consensus intervention were investigated. METHOD Participants were female students from the Australian National University (n = 97) and Central China Normal University (n = 76) who reported their levels of stigma toward a fictional character with AN before and after receiving normative information regarding the attitudes of others toward people with AN. Three experimental conditions of normative information were utilized: in-group, out-group, and neutral. RESULTS Chinese participants reported higher levels of baseline stigma across all measures than Australian participants. Social consensus was effective in reducing most types of AN stigma, and supported the social identity approach in that improvements in attitudinal, affective, and behavioral aspects of stigma were significantly greater for participants in the in-group (but not the out-group) versus the neutral condition. The effectiveness of the social consensus approach was not moderated by nationality. DISCUSSION A social consensus approach holds potential as an additional strategy for reducing AN stigma, with its benefits extending across diverse cultural settings. Such an approach would entail ensuring that positive messages regarding people with AN are delivered by members of a valued in-group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwen Yan
- Research School of Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Rieger
- Research School of Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Yiyun Shou
- Research School of Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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Reas DL. Public and Healthcare Professionals' Knowledge and Attitudes toward Binge Eating Disorder: A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2017; 9:nu9111267. [PMID: 29160843 PMCID: PMC5707739 DOI: 10.3390/nu9111267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by recurrent binge eating and marked distress in the absence of inappropriate compensatory behaviors for weight control. BED is prevalent in men and women, is associated with elevated psychosocial and functional impairment, and is associated strongly with obesity and related medical comorbidities. The aim is to provide a brief, state-of-the-art review of the major and recent findings to inform educational and awareness campaigns, stigma reduction interventions, as well as current clinical practice and future research. A narrative approach was used to synthesize emerging literature on the public and healthcare professionals’ knowledge and attitudes toward individuals with BED in comparison to other eating disorders (EDs) or mental illness. A total of 13 articles were reviewed. Nine studies investigated community samples and four studies investigated healthcare professionals. The reviewed literature suggested that BED is perceived by the public as less impairing, less severe, and “easier-to-treat” than other EDs. Attitudes and beliefs reflecting perceived blameworthiness and lack of self-discipline were ascribed to vignettes with BED. Community studies indicated a low level of public awareness that BED constitutes a discreet eating disorder. The literature on healthcare professionals’ knowledge and attitudes toward BED remains very limited. The few existing studies suggest encouraging trends in recognition and diagnostic accuracy, yet there remains a need for increased clinical awareness of BED-associated medical complications and knowledge of full BED diagnostic criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Lynn Reas
- Regional Department for Eating Disorders, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, N-0424 Oslo, Norway.
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Oslo, N-0317 Oslo, Norway.
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Doley JR, Hart LM, Stukas AA, Morgan AJ, Rowlands DL, Paxton SJ. Development of guidelines for giving community presentations about eating disorders: a Delphi study. J Eat Disord 2017; 5:54. [PMID: 29201365 PMCID: PMC5697432 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-017-0183-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concerns exist around how to talk about eating disorders (EDs) due to evidence that suggests discussing ED symptoms and behaviours may cause or worsen symptoms in vulnerable people. Using expert consensus, we developed a set of guidelines for giving safe community presentations about EDs. METHODS Participants with professional ED expertise, and people with lived experience of an ED, were recruited for a Delphi study. N = 26 panel members rated 367 statements for both a) inclusion in guidelines, and b) their potential to be helpful (increase knowledge, reduce stigma) or harmful (increase stigma, cause/worsen ED symptoms). After each round of the study, statements were classified as endorsed, re-rate, or not endorsed. RESULTS 208 statements were endorsed by the panel over three rounds. 13 statements were strongly endorsed in the first round, with both people with lived experience and professionals agreeing it is important for presentations to include information on etiology of EDs and to promote help-seeking. Several statements had a high level of disagreement between those with lived experience and professionals, including the idea that presentations should suggest dieting is likely to result in weight gain. DISCUSSION The experts were able to develop consensus on a wide range of issues. Panel members, particularly people with lived experience, were sensitive to aspects of presentations that may be harmful to an audience. The guidelines fill an important gap in the literature and provide guidance to those educating the public about EDs; they should, however, be further evaluated to test their efficacy.
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