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The Perception of Persons with Anorexia Nervosa on Quality of Life: an Initial Investigation

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Abstract

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an illness with a large impact on an individual’s quality of life, affecting relationships with friends and family, social inclusion, employment, personal development, and physical health, among other domains. However, most QoL studies primarily focus on health-related QoL without paying attention to the psychosocial and subjective aspects of QoL. In this study, QoL in persons with AN is investigated from a broad perspective. More specifically, this study aims at (1) gaining insight into the personal meaning of QoL of persons recovering from AN, (2) specifying the indicators of the QoL model of Schalock (J Intellect Disabil Res 48(3):203–216, 2004) for persons with AN, and (3) exploring the relationship between a specific treatment program and the perception on QoL of persons with AN. Therefore, in-depth interviews were conducted with 17 persons recovering from AN, who are supported by Empathie, a therapeutic center in Flanders, using solution-focused therapy and client-centered therapy, combined with a systemic orientation. The participants spontaneously mentioned the following themes when asked which elements are important to have a good QoL: interpersonal relationships, personal development, being able to relax, self-determination, and having a healthy lifestyle. Each domain of the QoL model of Schalock was operationalized into specific indicators for persons with AN. These indicators can help service providers to tailor their support strategies to the needs of each patient. The participants reported that being in therapy had positively influenced the following domains: interpersonal relationships, emotional well-being, self-determination, and social inclusion.

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Acknowledgments

This article is based on a study that was financed by Empathie.

Conflict of Interest

The researchers (CD, CC, and SV) declare that they have no competing interests. The fourth author (PA) is connected to Empathie as she is the director of the program. She has been involved in the study design, the interpretation of the findings based on the data that were first made anonymous, and the drafting of the article. The data analysis has been carried out independently by the researchers.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Education, Health and Social Work, University College Ghent, Valentin Vaerwyckweg 1, 9000, Ghent, Belgium

    Clara De Ruysscher & Claudia Claes

  2. Vzw Empathie, Kortrijksesteenweg 686, 9000, Ghent, Belgium

    Patty Annicq

  3. Department of Special Education, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000, Ghent, Belgium

    Stijn Vandevelde

Authors
  1. Clara De Ruysscher
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  2. Patty Annicq
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  3. Stijn Vandevelde
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  4. Claudia Claes
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Correspondence to Clara De Ruysscher.

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De Ruysscher, C., Annicq, P., Vandevelde, S. et al. The Perception of Persons with Anorexia Nervosa on Quality of Life: an Initial Investigation. Applied Research Quality Life 11, 613–630 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11482-015-9425-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11482-015-9425-8

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