Young people’s experiences of body dysmorphic disorder in education settings: a grounded theory

ABSTRACT

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is characterised by a distressing preoccupation with perceived defects or flaws in one’s appearance. BDD most typically emerges in adolescence and is estimated to affect 2.2% of the UK adolescent population. There is a dearth of research into children’s and young people’s lived experiences of BDD, particularly in relation to educational contexts. Using Constructivist Grounded Theory methodology, interview data from 10 young people between the ages of 16 and 25 were analysed for this study. Findings informed the development of a psychological model of BDD in young people: The Shame-Identity Model of BDD in Young People. This paper focuses on the educational aspects within this model. Implications for educational professionals are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Body dysmorphic disorder
• BDD
• adolescent mental health
• obsessive compulsive and related disorders
• OCD

Acknowledgments

Sincere thanks go to my research supervisor and to all members of the educational psychology teaching team at The Tavistock and Portman. Particular gratitude is extended to the young people who were so courageous and gracious in sharing their experiences for this research project.

Availability of data and material

All data are available on request.

Disclosure statement

The author is a trustee of the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation from which, in part, participants were recruited. The author does not undertake any paid work with the Foundation and has no conflicts of interest to declare.

Code availability

Not applicable

Additional information

Funding

This research was undertaken as part of a funded three year professional doctorate in Child, Community and Educational Psychology at The Tavistock and Portman.