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Hower H, LaMarre A, Bachner-Melman R, Harrop EN, McGilley B, Kenny TE. Conceptualizing eating disorder recovery research: Current perspectives and future research directions. J Eat Disord 2022; 10:165. [PMID: 36380392 PMCID: PMC9664434 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-022-00678-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND How we research eating disorder (ED) recovery impacts what we know (perceive as fact) about it. Traditionally, research has focused more on the "what" of recovery (e.g., establishing criteria for recovery, reaching consensus definitions) than the "how" of recovery research (e.g., type of methodologies, triangulation of perspectives). In this paper we aim to provide an overview of the ED field's current perspectives on recovery, discuss how our methodologies shape what is known about recovery, and suggest a broadening of our methodological "toolkits" in order to form a more complete picture of recovery. BODY: This paper examines commonly used methodologies in research, and explores how incorporating different perspectives can add to our understanding of the recovery process. To do this, we (1) provide an overview of commonly used methodologies (quantitative, qualitative), (2) consider their benefits and limitations, (3) explore newer approaches, including mixed-methods, creative methods (e.g., Photovoice, digital storytelling), and multi-methods (e.g., quantitative, qualitative, creative methods, psycho/physiological, behavioral, laboratory, online observations), and (4) suggest that broadening our methodological "toolkits" could spur more nuanced and specific insights about ED recoveries. We propose a potential future research model that would ideally have a multi-methods design, incorporate different perspectives (e.g., expanding recruitment of diverse participants, including supportive others, in study co-creation), and a longitudinal course (e.g., capturing cognitive and emotional recovery, which often comes after physical). In this way, we hope to move the field towards different, more comprehensive, perspectives on ED recovery. CONCLUSION Our current perspectives on studying ED recovery leave critical gaps in our knowledge about the process. The traditional research methodologies impact our conceptualization of recovery definitions, and in turn limit our understanding of the phenomenon. We suggest that we expand our range of methodologies, perspectives, and timeframes in research, in order to form a more complete picture of what is possible in recovery; the multiple aspects of an individual's life that can improve, the greater number of people who can recover than previously believed, and the reaffirmation of hope that, even after decades, individuals can begin, and successfully continue, their ED recovery process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Hower
- Department of Psychiatry, Eating Disorders Center for Treatment and Research, University of California at San Diego School of Medicine, 4510 Executive Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA. .,Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Hassenfeld Child Innovation Institute, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
| | - Andrea LaMarre
- School of Psychology, Massey University, North Shore, Private Bag 102-904, Auckland, 0632, New Zealand
| | - Rachel Bachner-Melman
- Clinical Psychology Graduate Program, Ruppin Academic Center, 4025000, Emek-Hefer, Israel.,School of Social Work, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mt. Scopus, 9190501, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Erin N Harrop
- Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, 2148 S High Street, Denver, CO, 80208, USA
| | - Beth McGilley
- University of Kansas School of Medicine, 1010 N Kansas St, Wichita, KS, 67214, USA
| | - Therese E Kenny
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
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Harrison R, Jones B, Gardner P, Lawton R. Quality assessment with diverse studies (QuADS): an appraisal tool for methodological and reporting quality in systematic reviews of mixed- or multi-method studies. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:144. [PMID: 33588842 PMCID: PMC7885606 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06122-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the context of the volume of mixed- and multi-methods studies in health services research, the present study sought to develop an appraisal tool to determine the methodological and reporting quality of such studies when included in systematic reviews. Evaluative evidence regarding the design and use of our existing Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs (QATSDD) was synthesised to enhance and refine it for application across health services research. METHODS Secondary data were collected through a literature review of all articles identified using Google Scholar that had cited the QATSDD tool from its inception in 2012 to December 2019. First authors of all papers that had cited the QATSDD (n=197) were also invited to provide further evaluative data via a qualitative online survey. Evaluative findings from the survey and literature review were synthesised narratively and these data used to identify areas requiring refinement. The refined tool was subject to inter-rater reliability, face and content validity analyses. RESULTS Key limitations of the QATSDD tool identified related to a lack of clarity regarding scope of use of the tool and in the ease of application of criteria beyond experimental psychological research. The Quality Appraisal for Diverse Studies (QuADS) tool emerged as a revised tool to address the limitations of the QATSDD. The QuADS tool demonstrated substantial inter-rater reliability (k=0.66), face and content validity for application in systematic reviews with mixed, or multi-methods health services research. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the perceived value of appraisal tools to determine the methodological and reporting quality of studies in reviews that include heterogeneous studies. The QuADS tool demonstrates strong reliability and ease of use for application to multi or mixed-methods health services research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reema Harrison
- School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Benjamin Jones
- School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Peter Gardner
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
| | - Rebecca Lawton
- Institute of Psychological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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