Experiences of women with bulimia nervosa in a mindfulness-based eating disorder treatment group.
The experience of 6 college-age women with bulimia nervosa was examined after they participated in an 8-week mindfulness-based eating disorder treatment group. This phenomenological study used individual interview and pre- and post-treatment self-portraits. Participants described their experience of transformation from emotional and behavioral extremes, disembodiment, and self-loathing to the cultivation of an inner connection with themselves resulting in greater self-awareness, acceptance, and compassion. They reported less emotional distress and improved abilities to manage stress. This treatment may help the 40% of women who do not improve with current therapies and might be useful to prevent symptoms in younger women.
Proulx
Kathryn
K
University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA. kproulx55@comcast.net
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D052018:Bulimia Nervosa / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D019122:Meditation; D011386:Projective Techniques