Recovery Process

Co-researchers are being recruited to take part in a research study exploring individual experiences of recovery from anorexia nervosa.  This information sheet will explain the purpose and aims of the study along with what is involved, should you wish to take part.  Please read the information carefully.  If you have any further questions about the study then please contact the researcher using the contact details at the end of the information sheet.  Thank you for taking the time to read about the study.

Title of the research study

The meaning and process of recovery from anorexia nervosa

Researcher

Sarah Robotham, Trainee Counselling Psychologist, Regents College School of Psychotherapy and Counselling, Regents Park, London.

What is the purpose of the study?

The research study aims to explore personal experiences of recovery from anorexia nervosa in order to understand more about the meaning and process of overcoming this eating disorder.  I hope that the information from the study will help health professionals working in this area to gain a better understanding of the recovery process.

Can anyone take part?

I would like to hear from women aged 18 and above living in the Greater London area who have a past diagnosis of anorexia nervosa and who consider themselves to be recovered.

What does taking part in the study involve?

If you become a co-researcher in the study, you will be asked to take part in a face to face interview with me about your experiences of recovery.  The interview will take place at Regents College in London or can be conducted in your home, and is expected to last about one hour.  During this time I will ask you about your journey of recovery - being led by your experiences which will guide the interview.  The interviews will be tape recorded and transcribed by me and all the interview data will be kept anonymous.  The tape recordings will be kept in a locked place and destroyed after the research study is completed.

You will receive £5 after the interview to cover any travel expenses and to thank you for your time and effort.

If I want to take part, what happens next?

If you would like to take part, please email me your contact details, so I can contact you with further information about the study.  I will also send you a short questionnaire to complete, which will identify whether or not you are eligible to take part, along with two consent forms – one for you to keep for your records and the other to sign and return to me.  Once I have received your signed consent form, I will contact you to arrange a time to meet for a face to face interview.

What are the potential benefits and risks of taking part?

You may find that taking part in the study will be uncomfortable at times as you may be reminded of difficult experiences that you have encountered.  If this happens and you become upset during the interview, you can ask that we take a break or are free to withdraw from the study at any time.

The interview will provide you with the opportunity to explore your own process of recovery.  Telling me about your recovery means that health professionals will be able to learn from your experience, along with individuals currently living with anorexia nervosa.

Who has ethically approved this study?

The proposal for this research study has been approved by the Regents College School of Psychotherapy and Counselling ethical review board.  The researcher also receives on-going supervision from a supervisor experienced in working with individuals with eating disorders.

What will happen to the research findings?

I will send you a short summary report of the key themes and issues arising from your interview, for you to give feedback on if you wish.

The results of the research study will be written up as a doctoral thesis.  I also hope to publish the research in a peer-reviewed journal.

About the researcher:

I am a third year student of the Doctorate in Counselling Psychology programme at Regents College School of Psychotherapy and Counselling, London.  My interest in this area of research comes from my clinical experience at an inpatient adolescent unit for eating disorders and hearing about the different aspects of recovery which are important to different individuals.  It is my hope that this study will enable the voice of the recovered eating disordered individual to be heard.

Contact for further information:

For further information about the research please contact me on slrobotham@btinternet.com