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An exploratory investigation of the experiences of partners living with people who have bulimia nervosa
Author(s) -
Huke Katherine,
Slade Pauline
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
european eating disorders review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.511
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1099-0968
pISSN - 1072-4133
DOI - 10.1002/erv.744
Subject(s) - bulimia nervosa , interpretative phenomenological analysis , psychology , eating disorders , psychological intervention , superordinate goals , feeling , secrecy , modalities , exploratory research , psychotherapist , social psychology , qualitative research , clinical psychology , psychiatry , sociology , anthropology , social science , computer security , computer science
Objective This study aimed to explore partners' experiences of living as a couple with someone with bulimia nervosa. Method Transcripts of eight exploratory interviews with partners were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results Five superordinate themes emerged: (1) Living with the secrecy and deception; (2) Struggling to understand and find reasons; (3) Discovering your powerlessness; (4) ‘It's like growing to live with it’; (5) Experiencing strengths and strains in the relationship. Discussion Living with someone with bulimia presents many challenges for partners. They struggle to understand what is happening, can find the secrecy difficult to live with, and are often left feeling powerless. However, partners also look to find ways of accepting and living with the bulimia. It is suggested that partners could be offered opportunities to access support, and that their perspectives could be a useful resource for therapeutic interventions. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.