In my graduation thesis, I explored how women with experience of eating disorders experience their bodies, self-image, connection with the body and the process of self-acceptance. I was interested in how internal and external factors influence their experience of the body, and what role the supportive environment and professional help play in recovery. In the theoretical part, I presented eating disorders, the relationship with the body, body image, embodiment, alienation from the body, recovery of the relationship with the body, and the importance of social work in the field of eating disorders.
In the empirical part, I conducted a qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with five adult women with experience of eating disorders. At the time of the research, the participants were included in different forms of professional help or support. The collected material was analysed through open, axial and relational coding. The research questions focused on the perception of self-image, the experience of connection with the body, the factors shaping the experience of one’s own body, and the role of the supportive environment and professional help in accepting oneself and one’s body.
The results show that the participants did not experience their bodies merely as physical bodies, but as a space where inner distress, shame, the need for control, a sense of self-worth, family messages, social pressures and relational experiences were expressed. For several participants, self-image was strongly connected with body weight, appearance, eating and the ability to control the symptoms of the eating disorder. At certain points, the symptoms gave them a sense of success, strength, safety or worth, although at the same time they caused physical, psychological and social harm. Their connection with the body was often weakened, as the participants had difficulties recognising hunger, fullness, tiredness, the need for rest and other bodily signals.
The experience of the body was influenced by many internal and external factors. Among the internal factors, the most common were shame, guilt, distress, self-criticism, self-blame and the need for control. Among the external factors, family experiences, sports and peer environments, media, social networks, partner relationships and broader social pressures were important, especially those connected with female body ideals. The participants mostly experienced professional help as an important part of recovery, but they emphasised that a safe, understanding and non-judgemental relationship is essential. The findings show that recovery does not only mean a reduction of symptoms or a change in body weight, but also a change in the relationship with oneself, the body, emotions, food and life. Social work has an important role in this process, as it can contribute to understanding the user’s life context, strengthening the supportive environment and creating a space where the person is heard as a whole.
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