Login (DCU Staff Only)
Login (DCU Staff Only)

DORAS | DCU Research Repository

Explore open access research and scholarly works from DCU

Advanced Search

Experiences of support services for eating disorders in Ireland: an exploratory study

Sheridan, Grace (2013) Experiences of support services for eating disorders in Ireland: an exploratory study. Master of Science thesis, Dublin City University.

Abstract
The purpose of this MSc project was to investigate qualitatively eating disorder (ED) patients‟ perspectives on their treatment experiences and expectations, within the Irish context. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive female sample of current (N=11) and discharged (N=3) ED service users, ranging in age from 18 to 31 years (M= 23.21, SD= 4.19). An interpretive thematic analytic approach, comprising both inductive and deductive methods of analysis, was employed to identify key themes in the data. Participants described the importance of both structural aspects of the treatment environment and interpersonal aspects of care for therapeutic engagement. Of particular importance was a therapeutic approach which guided participants to a personal understanding of their ED. Participants underscored the value of supportive relationships which emphasised reciprocal exchange, and the need for collaboration and control in treatment decisions. Findings provide several practical recommendations for ways in which current ED services in Ireland might more effectively meet the need of service users. An in-depth understanding of treatment factors that both strengthen and weaken engagement for ED patients can inform health policy and future service development, enhancing the quality of care provided.
Metadata
Item Type:Thesis (Master of Science)
Date of Award:November 2013
Refereed:No
Supervisor(s):McArdle, Siobhain and Gaffney, Paul
Uncontrolled Keywords:Eating disorders; Support services; Treatment experiences (Ireland)
Subjects:Medical Sciences > Health
DCU Faculties and Centres:DCU Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Science and Health > School of Health and Human Performance
Use License:This item is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License. View License
ID Code:19136
Deposited On:02 Dec 2013 16:28 by Siobhain Mcardle . Last Modified 19 Jul 2018 15:01
Documents

Full text available as:

[thumbnail of Grace_Sheridan_MSc.pdf]
Preview
PDF - Requires a PDF viewer such as GSview, Xpdf or Adobe Acrobat Reader
2MB
Downloads

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

Archive Staff Only: edit this record