| The embodied experience of women with binge eating disorder (BED) was investigated through a qualitative research project. The applied definition of embodied experience was a conscious body-mind experience taking place in the present time. The present study explored the physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, and social experiences of six volunteer women who met full DSM-IV-TR criteria for BED. Data were collected through semi-structered interviews, somatic observation notes, and participants' journaling. The interview responses were analyzed using the Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) framework. IPA findings indicated five common themes: (a) opposite extremes, (b) physical and mental health issues, (c) self-image impact, (d) relationship messages, and (e) questioning self. The implication of findings suggests mental health clinicians can inquire further information about their patients' non-verbal messages and the awareness of their bodies, culture and belief system, physical condition and stress, and diet/binge cycles when treating individuals with BED. |
