How does overeaters anonymous help its members? A qualitative analysis.
Overeaters Anonymous (OA) is a 12-step, self-help group for individuals who perceive themselves to have problems with compulsive overeating. Despite the popularity of OA and the frequent use of addictions-based treatments for eating disorders, little is known about how OA is helpful. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore members' experiences with and perceptions of OA. We conducted three focus groups with self-selected members of OA (N = 20). We present three primary themes that emerged from the analysis of the focus groups' discussions, which emphasize why individuals entered OA, OA's 'tools', and how individuals perceived OA to 'work'. Overall, although participants agreed OA was helpful to them, there was no consensus regarding how OA 'works'.
Russell-Mayhew
Shelly
S
Division of Applied Psychology, Faculty of Education, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada. mkrussel@ucalgary.ca
von Ranson
Kristin M
KM
Masson
Philip C
PC
D001294:Attitude to Health; D003192:Compulsive Behavior / Q000628:therapy; D004644:Emotions; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D006963:Hyperphagia / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012931:Social Environment; D012933:Social Identification; D012944:Social Support