An exploration of what enabled eating disorder sufferers who have sustained a recovery to do so

TL;DRAbstract

This exploratory auto-biography based research aimed to explore what eating disorder sufferers’ who have attained a sustained recovery perceive to have enabled them to do so, and if there are any connecting factors. The narratives were analysed thematically with performative and structural analysis to explore the deeper meanings of the themes that emerged. Due to the authors own personal involvement with this topic, elements of the auto-ethnographic method were used to minimise bias and utilise their experience. The findings highlighted three main interconnecting themes:
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\n1. Overcoming the ‘voice’ of the eating disorder and gaining a stronger distinct sense of self.
\n2. Decision to change. 
\n3. Persistent support, long inpatient treatment at specialist facilities with associated after-care.
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\nThis supported the existing literature, and additionally it demonstrated the extent to which the sufferers’ eating disorder identity develops and can distort their

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