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The process of recovery in eating disorder sufferers' own words: An Internet‐based study
Author(s) -
KeskiRahkonen Anna,
Tozzi Federica
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/eat.20123
Subject(s) - psychology , the internet , eating disorders , exploratory research , qualitative research , psychotherapist , developmental psychology , clinical psychology , social psychology , world wide web , social science , sociology , computer science , anthropology
Abstract This exploratory Internet‐based study attempts to understand what eating disorder sufferers suggest when they mention the word recovery . All messages ( N = 685) posted in a Finnish‐language eating disorders discussion group during a 3‐month period were analyzed for the contexts of the word recovery using text analysis software and qualitative methods. The discussion group participants' views of recovery changed according to their current stage of change. Mentioning recovery was least likely during precontemplation and relapse. Internet discussion group was seen as helpful in the early stages of change, but as impeding recovery in the last stages. Willpower and ceasing to identify with eating disorders were viewed as essential to recovery. The value of professional help in recovery was viewed as conditional on the eating disorders sufferer's own willingness to change. Internet‐based support groups have many potential therapeutic applications. Motivational aspects need to be taken into account in promoting recovery. © 2005 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.