Eating disorders: A qualitative analysis of the parents' journey

Abstract

Eating disorders are a major concern in Western society. The journey that parents undertake when their child has suffered from an eating disorder has been rarely reported. The aim of this research was to explore the parents' journey using in depth interviews. Twenty-two parents from New South Wales, Australia, volunteered to be interviewed as a result of advertisements placed in parent support organisation newsletters and by using a snowballing technique. Four aspects of the journey that the parents took when their child was ill are reported in this paper. The research findings are taken directly from the accounts provided by parents. These parents' stories will be of interest to health professionals working with families in the area of eating disorders.

Key Words:

• eating disorders
• parents' strength
• journey