“Becoming the Real Me”: Recovering from Anorexia Nervosa

Abstract

We investigated the process of recovery from anorexia nervosa using grounded theory. Open-ended interviews conducted with 9 women who had recovered from anorexia nervosa revealed that recovery focused on rediscovery and redefinition of the self and included the following: (1) seeing the dangers, (2) inching out of anorexia, (3) tolerating exposure without anorexia, (4) gaining perspective by changing the anorexia mindset, and (5) discovering and reclaiming self as "good enough." The process of recovery described in this study may provide a useful framework for helping women understand their own process of recovery efforts. The findings also support therapies that foster therapeutic alliance, acknowledge readiness for change, and promote a senses of autonomy.

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