title: Participatory action research for women with anorexia nervosa.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To discuss the application of the principles of participatory action research (PAR) in a project that developed and evaluated a mentor-mentee support programme for women with anorexia nervosa.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  A programme was developed and implemented in which mentors and mentees participated in workshops, social activities and focus groups that sought to support and develop resilience for those experiencing anorexia nervosa.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PAR principles were mirrored in the programme, paying respect to the views and needs of each participant, an open trajectory to possible conclusions and a continuous feedback cycle. Mentees had a sense of empowerment, ownership of the programme and hope that recovery was possible. It allowed their voices to be heard and provided them with belief they could begin new relationships and friendships.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The principles of PAR suited a project aimed at developing self-determination and resilience in women with anorexia nervosa.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PAR would be readily transferable to a number of mental health settings where empowerment is of paramount concern.
authors.affiliation: School of nursing and midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nicholls
authors.affiliation: Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fogarty
authors.affiliation: Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Phillipa
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hay
authors.affiliation: School of nursing and midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: Lucie Michelle
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Ramjan
mesh_terms: D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans
keywords: anorexia nervosa; mentee; mentor; mentoring; participatory action research; qualitative research