Social Aspects of Anorexia Nervosa: Therapists? Perspectives
Mentor 1
W. Hobart Davies
Location
Union Wisconsin Room
Start Date
5-4-2019 1:30 PM
End Date
5-4-2019 3:30 PM
Description
Introduction: Friendship quality has a direct effect on social development of adolescents, specifically on, self-esteem, social adjustment, and ability to cope with stressors. Research has demonstrated how social relationships can be a protective factor for children and adolescents living with chronic conditions. Positive social relationships have shown to have a positive effect on treatment for these individuals, including improved motivation and treatment adherence. However, there is a paucity of research done to show how friendships function in the context of anorexia nervosa and how and if they are incorporated into treatment. Notably, friendships help improve self-esteem, which is particularly low in this patient population; therefore, there is potential to improve self-esteem by enhancing positive friendships. Additionally, therapists have a unique perspective and see a variety of patients with anorexia nervous. Thus, the current study will examine how aspects of social relationships are involved in the therapeutic process for individuals with anorexia nervosa. There are three exploratory hypotheses for this current study: therapists will recognize the importance of social relationships; social relationships will not be frequently discussed in treatment; therapists will report clients are often reluctant to talk about social relationships. Methods: The study will survey therapists that work with individuals with anorexia nervosa in order to obtain information regarding how friendships are incorporated into treatment, and to what depth. The online survey will ask the therapists about how often positive and/or negative social relationships are brought up and about how they view them in the context of treatment. Implications for future research on socials relationships involvement in the treatment process for individuals with an eating disorder will also be discussed.
Social Aspects of Anorexia Nervosa: Therapists? Perspectives
Union Wisconsin Room
Introduction: Friendship quality has a direct effect on social development of adolescents, specifically on, self-esteem, social adjustment, and ability to cope with stressors. Research has demonstrated how social relationships can be a protective factor for children and adolescents living with chronic conditions. Positive social relationships have shown to have a positive effect on treatment for these individuals, including improved motivation and treatment adherence. However, there is a paucity of research done to show how friendships function in the context of anorexia nervosa and how and if they are incorporated into treatment. Notably, friendships help improve self-esteem, which is particularly low in this patient population; therefore, there is potential to improve self-esteem by enhancing positive friendships. Additionally, therapists have a unique perspective and see a variety of patients with anorexia nervous. Thus, the current study will examine how aspects of social relationships are involved in the therapeutic process for individuals with anorexia nervosa. There are three exploratory hypotheses for this current study: therapists will recognize the importance of social relationships; social relationships will not be frequently discussed in treatment; therapists will report clients are often reluctant to talk about social relationships. Methods: The study will survey therapists that work with individuals with anorexia nervosa in order to obtain information regarding how friendships are incorporated into treatment, and to what depth. The online survey will ask the therapists about how often positive and/or negative social relationships are brought up and about how they view them in the context of treatment. Implications for future research on socials relationships involvement in the treatment process for individuals with an eating disorder will also be discussed.
