Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

MFT Students’ Recount Experiences of Attending Phone and Online Overeaters Anonymous Meetings

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Contemporary Family Therapy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore Marriage and Family Therapy students’ experiences attending Overeaters Anonymous (OA). Utilizing a qualitative survey administered in an addictions course at an institution located in a rural area of the United States, 18 marriage and family therapy (MFT) graduate students reflected on their participation in both online and telephone meetings. In this study, MFT students provided their perspectives regarding the feasible utilization of Overeaters Anonymous in clinical treatment, with an emphasis on the consideration of social support for clients who may reside in rural areas. Three major themes emerged which included (1) enlightenment through exposure; (2) OA as a viable adjunct to therapy; and (3) convenience and comfort. The study addressed recommendations for MFT education, clinical implications, and future research.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Alcoholics Anonymous. (2001). Alcoholics Anonymous (4th edn.). New York, NY: A.A. World Services.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barak, A., Boniel-Nissim, M., & Suler, J. (2008). Fostering empowerment in online support groups. Computers in Human Behavior, 24(5), 1867–1883.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bradley, E. H., Curry, L. A., & Devers, K. J. (2007). Qualitative data analysis for health services research: Developing taxonomy, themes, and theory. Health Research and Educational Trust. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-6773.2006.00684.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Braithwaite, D. O., Waldron, V. R., & Finn, J. (1999). Communication of social support in computer-mediated groups for people with disabilities. Health Communication, 11, 123–151.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bramer, J. (1986). A study of bulimic female members of Overeaters Anonymous. Unpublished doctoral dissertation. Central Michigan University.

  • Brantlinger, E., Jimenez, R., Klingner, J., Pugach, M., & Richardson, V. (2005). Qualitative studies in special education. Exceptional Children, 71(2), 195–207.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brockmeyer, T., Ingenerf, K., Walther, S., Wild, B., Hartmann, M., Herzog, W., Bents, H., & Friederich, H. C. (2013). Training cognitive flexibility in patients with anorexia nervosa: A pilot randomized controlled trial of cognitive remediation therapy. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 41, 24–31. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.22206.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cline, R. J. W. (1999). Communication in social support groups. In L. Frey, D. Gouran & S. Poole (Eds.), Handbook of small group communication (pp. 516–538). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Creswell, J. W., & Miller, D. L. (2000). Determining validity in qualitative inquiry. Theory into Practice, 39(3), 124–130.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davenport, Y. B., Ebert, M. H., Adland, M. L., & Goodwin, F. K. (1977). Couples group therapy as an adjunct to lithium maintenance of the manic patient. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 47(3), 495–502.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davies, D., & Dodd, J. (2002). Qualitative research and the question of rigor. Qualitative Health Research, 12(2), 279–289.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davis, C., Curtis, C., Levitan, R. D., Carter, J. C., Kaplan, A. S., & Kennedy, J. L. (2011). Evidence that ‘food addiction’ is a valid phenotype of obesity. Appetite, 57(3), 711–717.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davis, D. R., & Jansen, G. G. (1998). Making meaning of Alcoholics Anonymous for social workers: Myths, metaphors, and realities. Social Work, 43(2), 169–182.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Deacon, S. A. (1996). Using experiential activities in the training of the person of the therapist. Family Therapy, 23(3), 171.

    Google Scholar 

  • Denzin, N. (1978). The research act: A theoretical introduction to sociological methods (2nd edn.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dickerson, S. S., Flaig, D. M., & Kennedy, M. C. (2000). Therapeutic connection: Help seeking on the Internet for persons with implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Heart and Lung, 29, 248–255.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Donovan, D. M., Ingalsbe, M. H., Benbow, J., & Daley, D. C. (2013). 12-step interventions and mutual support programs for substance use disorders: An overview. Social Work in Public Health, 28(3/4), 313–332. https://doi.org/10.1080/19371918.2013.774663.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Fallon, P., Katzman, M. A., & Wooley, S. C. (Eds.), (1996). Feminist perspectives on eating disorders. New York, NY: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Finn, J. (1995). Computer-based self-help groups: A new resource to supplement support groups. Social Work with Groups, 18, 109–117.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Galinsky, M. J., Schopler, J. H., & Abell, M. D. (1997). Connecting group members through telephone and computer groups. Health and Social Work, 22, 181–188.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Giorgi, A. (1992). Description versus interpretation: Competing alternative strategies for qualitative research. Journal of Phenomenological Psychology, 23, 119–135.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Glaser, B. G., & Strauss, A. L. (1967). The discovery of grounded research: Strategies for qualitative research. New York, NY: Aldine De Gruyter.

    Google Scholar 

  • Guanipa, C. (2003). Sharing a multicultural course design for a marriage and family therapy programme: One perspective. Journal of Family Therapy, 25(1), 86–106.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haddock, C. K., & Dill, P. L. (1999). The effects of food on mood and behavior: Implications for the addictions model of obesity and eating disorders. Drugs & Society, 15(1–2), 17–47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Helmeke, K. B., & Prouty, A. M. (2001). Do we really understand? An experiential exercise for training family therapists. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 27(4), 535–544.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hertz, P., Addad, M., & Ronel, N. (2012). Attachment styles and changes among women members of Overeaters Anonymous who have recovered from binge-eating disorder. Health & Social Work, 37(2), 110–122. https://doi.org/10.1093/hws/hls019.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hooper, A., & Dallos, R. (2012). Fathers and daughters: Their relationship and attachment themes in the shadow of an eating disorder. Contemporary Family Therapy, 34(4), 452–467.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, C. L., & Sansone, R. A. (1993). Integrating the twelve-step approach with traditional psychotherapy for the treatment of eating disorders. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 14(2), 121–134.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jonsen, K., & Jehn, K. A. (2009). Using triangulation to validate themes in qualitative studies. Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management: An International Journal, 4(2), 123–150.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kaiser, A., Hahlweg, K., Fehm-Wolfsdorf, G., & Groth, T. (1998). The efficacy of a compact psychoeducational group training program for married couples. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 66(5), 753.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kane, C. M. (1996). An experiential approach to family-of-origin work with marital and family therapy trainees. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 22(4), 481–487.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kasl, C. D. (1992). Many roads, one journey: Moving beyond the twelve steps. New York, NY: Harper Perennial.

    Google Scholar 

  • Klemm, P., & Nolan, M. T. (1998). Internet cancer support groups: Legal and ethical issues for nurse researchers. Oncology Nursing Forum, 25, 673–676.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lafrance Robinson, A., Dolhanty, J., Stillar, A., Henderson, K., & Mayman, S. (2016). Emotion-focused family therapy for eating disorders across the lifespan: A pilot study of a 2-day transdiagnostic intervention for parents. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 23(1), 14–23.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Laszloffy, T., & Habekost, J. (2010). Using experiential tasks to enhance cultural sensitivity among MFT trainees. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 36(3), 333–346.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Latzer, Y., Hochdorf, Z., Bachar, E., & Canetti, L. (2002). Attachment style and family functioning as discriminating factors in eating disorders. Contemporary Family Therapy, 24(4), 581–599.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lemmon, C. R., & Josephson, A. M. (2001). Family therapy for eating disorders. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 10(3), 519–542.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lester, R. J. (1999). Let go and let God: Religion and the politics of surrender in overeaters anonymous. In Interpreting weight: The social management of fatness and thinness (pp. 139–164).

  • Lewinsohn, P. M., Striegel-Moore, R. H., & Seeley, J. R. (2000). Epidemiology and natural course of eating disorders in young women from adolescence to young adulthood. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 39, 1284–1292.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Madara, E. J. (1997). The mutual-aid self-help online revolution. Social Policy, 27, 20–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Malenbaum, R., Herzog, D., Eisenthal, S., & Wyshak, G. (1988). Overeaters Anonymous: Impact on bulimia. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 7, 139–143.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Martin, C. V., Guterman, J. T., & Shatz, K. (2012). Solution-focused counseling for eating disorders. Ideas and Research You Can Use: VISTAS, pp. 1–11.

  • Maudsley, G., & Strivens, J. (2000). Promoting professional knowledge, experiential learning and critical thinking for medical students. Medical Education, 34(7), 535–544.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maxwell, J. A. (1992). Understanding and validity in qualitative research. Harvard Educational Review, 62, 279–299.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mays, N., & Pope, C. (1995). Rigour and qualitative research. British Medical Journal, 311(6997), 109–112.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McDowell, T., Goessling, K., & Melendez, T. (2012). Transformative learning through international immersion: Building multicultural competence in family therapy and counseling. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 38(2), 365–379.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McGrane, D., & Carr, A. (2002). Young women at risk for eating disorders: Perceived family dysfunction and parental psychological problems. Contemporary Family Therapy, 24(2), 385–395.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miles, M. B., & Huberman, M. (1994). Qualitative data analysis: A sourcebook of new methods (2nd edn.). Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Minaiy, C., Johnson, N., Ciochon, T., & Perkins, D. (2017). Adaptability of family therapy modalities in the treatment of lesbian and gay clients with Bulimia Nervosa. Contemporary Family Therapy, 39(2), 121–131.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moore, D. D., & Cooper, C. E. (2016). Life after bariatric surgery: Perceptions of male patients and their intimate relationships. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 42(3), 495–508.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Morse, J. M., Barrett, M., Mayan, M., Olson, K., & Spiers, J. (2002). Verification strategies for establishing reliability and validity in qualitative research. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 1(2), 13–22.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Murphy Kriz, K. L. (2002). The efficacy of overeaters anonymous in fostering abstinence in binge-eating disorder and Bulimia Nervosa (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Blacksburg, VA: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

  • Murray, S. B. (2014). A case of strategic couples therapy in adult Anorexia Nervosa: The importance of symptoms in context. Contemporary Family Therapy, 36(3), 392–397.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Overeaters Anonymous. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://oa.org/.

  • Overeaters Anonymous. (1990). The twelve steps and twelve traditions. Torrance, CA: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Overeaters Anonymous. (1996). The tools for recovery. Torrance, CA: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Overeaters Anonymous. (n.d.) (http://www.OvereatersAnonymous.com). https://oa.org/newcomers/how-do-i-start/program-basics/atheists-agnostics/.

  • Platt, J. J. (2012). A Mexico City–based immersion education program: Training mental health clinicians for practice with Latino communities. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 38(2), 352–364.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pope, C., Ziebland, S., & Mays, N. (2000). Analysing qualitative data. British Medical Journal, 320(7227), 114.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pratt, K. J., Holowacz, E., & Walton, N. L. (2014). Marriage and family therapists’ perspectives on treating overweight clients and their weight-related behaviors. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 42(5), 364–385.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rogers, R. L. (1988). The twelve steps revisited. New York, NY: Bantam Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ronel, N., & Libman, G. (2003). Eating disorders and recovery: Lessons from Overeaters Anonymous. Clinical Social Work Journal, 31(2), 155–171.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rorty, M., Yager, J., & Rossotto, E. (1993). Why and how do women recover from bulimia nervosa? The subjective appraisals of forty women recovered for a year or more. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 14(3), 249–260.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Russell-Mayhew, S., von Ranson, K. M., & Masson, P. C. (2010). How does overeaters anonymous help its members? A qualitative analysis. European Eating Disorders Review, 18, 33–42. https://doi.org/10.1002/erv.966.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sandelowski, M. (2000). Whatever happened to qualitative description? Research in Nursing & Health, 23(4), 334–340.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Spiegel, D. (1994). Health caring. Psychosocial support for patients with cancer. Cancer, 74(S4), 1453–1457.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Suler, J., & Bartholomew, E. (1986). The ideology of Overeaters Anonymous. Social Policy, l6(4), 48–53.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Wormer, K. (1994). Hi, I’m Jane: A compulsive overeater. In P. Fallon, M. Katzman & S. Wooley (Eds.), Feminist perspectives on eating disorders (pp. 298–298). New York, NY: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • von Ranson, K. M., & Cassin, S. E. (2007). Eating disorders and addiction: Theory and evidence. In J. S. Rubin (Eds.), Eating disorders and weight loss research (pp. 1–37). Hauppauge, NY: Nova Science Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • von Ranson, K. M., & Robinson, K. E. (2006). Who is providing what type of psychotherapy to eating disorder clients?: A survey. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 39, 27–43.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wasson, D. H., & Jackson, M. (2004). An analysis of the role of Overeaters Anonymous in women’s recovery from Bulimia Nervosa. Eating Disorders, 12(4), 337–356. https://doi.org/10.1080/10640260490521442.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Weiner, S. (1998). The addition of overeating: Self-help groups as treatment models. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 54(2), 163–167.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Werner-Wilson, R. J. (2001). Experiential exercises in MFT training: Gender, power, and diversity. Contemporary Family Therapy, 23(2), 221–229.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Westphal, V. K., & Smith, J. E. (1996). Overeaters Anonymous: Who goes and who succeeds? International Journal of Eating Disorders, 4, 160–170.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wetzel, J. W. (1991). Universal mental health classification systems: Reclaiming women’s experience. Affilia, 6(3), 8–31.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • White, M., & Dorman, S. M. (2001). Receiving social support online: Implications for health education. Health Education Research, 16(6), 693–707.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wilfley, D. E., Kass, A. E., Kolko, R. P., & Stein, R. I. (2011). Cognitive behavioral therapy for weight management and eating disorders in children and adolescents. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 20, 271–285.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, G. T. (2000). Eating disorders and addiction. In W. S. C. Poston & C. K. Haddock (Eds.), Food as a drug (pp. 87–101). Binghamton, NY: Haworth Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yager, J., Landsverk, J., & Carole, K. (1989). Help seeking and satisfaction with care in 641 women with eating disorders: Patterns of utilization, attributed change, and perceived efficacy of treatment. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 177, 632–637.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yardley, L. (2000). Dilemmas in qualitative health research. Psychology and Health, 15(2), 215–228.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Couple and Family Therapy Program, San Francisco, California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University, One Beach Street, Suite 100, San Francisco, CA, 94133-1221, USA

    Darren D. Moore, Simi Kamboj, Ryan Tam & Luciano Pasicel

  2. Couple and Family Therapy Program, Sacramento, California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University, 2030 W El Camino Ave, Sacramento, CA, 95833, USA

    Chichun Lin

Authors
  1. Darren D. Moore
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Chichun Lin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Simi Kamboj
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Ryan Tam
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Luciano Pasicel
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Darren D. Moore.

Appendix: OA Questions

Appendix: OA Questions

Please type your answers below each question.

  1. 1.

    Prior to this class, have you ever heard of OA?

  2. 2.

    As an MFT, would you refer a client to such a social support group? (Why or why not?)

  3. 3.

    In what ways or circumstances could attending OA be useful for addressing food addictions? In what ways could it not be useful?

  4. 4.

    Discuss your thoughts about referring clients to OA.

  5. 5.

    How does the philosophy of OA fit or not fit within your epistemology as you consider your clinical work?

  6. 6.

    What was your overall experience like attending OA meetings?

  7. 7.

    What did you learn?

  8. 8.

    Was anything surprising to you?

  9. 9.

    Currently there does not appear to be a family support program for OA; do you think the development of such a program could be useful? If so, in what way? If not, why not?

  10. 10.

    What was it like to attend meetings via phone and online?

Complete the following:

Meeting 1

Type of meeting:

Date:

Time:

Location (Physical address/Telephone/Online):

Description of the meeting:

Discuss the content of the meeting:

Discuss the process of the meeting:

Meeting 2

Type of meeting:

Date:

Time:

Location (Physical address/Telephone/Online):

Description of the meeting:

Discuss the content of the meeting:

Discuss the process of the meeting:

Meeting 3

Type of meeting:

Date:

Time:

Location (Physical address/Telephone/Online):

Description of the meeting:

Discuss the content of the meeting:

Discuss the process of the meeting:

Meeting 4

Type of meeting:

Date:

Time:

Location (Physical address/Telephone/Online):

Description of the meeting:

Discuss the content of the meeting:

Discuss the process of the meeting:

Meeting 5

Type of meeting:

Date:

Time:

Location (Physical address/Telephone/Online):

Description of the meeting:

Discuss the content of the meeting:

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Moore, D.D., Lin, C., Kamboj, S. et al. MFT Students’ Recount Experiences of Attending Phone and Online Overeaters Anonymous Meetings. Contemp Fam Ther 40, 357–371 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-018-9456-z

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-018-9456-z

Keywords

Search

Navigation