Contextualising Eating Disorders: The Hidden Social Contexts of Unusual Eating

This book rethinks the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders by putting the spotlight on their social and societal contexts, examining how these behaviours are shaped by the difficult life conditions of those suffering.

Drawing on the lived experiences of nine women, this book uses in-depth case studies and interviews to discuss eating disorders with a Social Contextual Analysis framework. It prioritises the women’s own voices about their life conditions and recovery to explore the behaviour of unusual eating patterns. The book identifies common social properties across the nine women, which will become essential context when considering treatment and therapy for unusual eating. Through this more compassionate approach, readers are presented with a detailed example of new ways to analyse and treat the behaviours of mental health and therapy outside of a DSM diagnosis.

Contextualising Eating Disorders is unique in its focus on giving priority to women’s voices and the social contexts behind unusual eating and will be highly relevant for all professionals working with those with unusual eating patterns, as well as students and academics in the fields of social psychology and mental health. This book will also benefit those who themselves are suffering from unusual eating patterns they might not understand.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

Part 1. Background to the ‘eating disorders’ behaviours

2. What the mainstream models say is happening with behaviours and recovery?

3. What alternative models say is happening with unusual eating behaviours

4. What was our research about?

Part 2. The unusual eating behaviours of our nine collaborators

5. Adora’s story: Becoming a “good girl”

6. Gabby’s story: A ballerina’s sacrifice

7. Diane’s story: Sisters and solitude

8. Bianca’s story: Shrinking for love

9. Erica’s story: Mother knows best

10. Sally’s story: Serious journos talk about lip filler

11. Fiona’s Story: The weight of expectations

12. Courtney’s story: Out of the frying pan into the fire

13. Katrina’s story: What goes on behind closed doors

Part 3. What was learned about unusual eating behaviours put in context?

14. Summary 1: The diversity of life pathways

15. Summary 2: What shapes the ‘eating disorder’ behaviours and what leads to recovery?