Representations of Self-Mutilation in Contemporary Film, Literature, and Song

Binge eating disorder (BED) has a prevalence rate that ranges from .7–3.3% in the community at large and 29.3% in weight control samples. BED is associated with co-occurring physical and mental illnesses as well as impaired quality of life and social functioning. Due to the high prevalence rate BED is a public health problem that has special importance in our weight conscious society. The primary objective of the current study is the construction of model treatment plan/approaches which incorporate writing and narrative journaling activities for young women who suffer from BED accompanied by anxiety/negative affect. To accomplish this goal the qualitative method of Action research was utilized. To construct the treatment plan an interview schedule/survey was administered to 20 participants who were all professionals with experience in the treatment of BED. The interview/survey consisted of 36 mostly open ended questions and was designed to discern the focus of BED treatment with emphasis on therapy goals and modalities. The qualitative data from the professionals who participated in the study yielded Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy as the most commonly reported modes of therapy utilized in the treatment of BED. Also included among the 34 treatment modes reported being used were family systems therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, somatic therapy and the maintenance of personal journals and food logs. The interview/survey data were used to inform the model treatment plan generated as a result of the current research. The model intervention plan/approaches were discussed in relation to the prior literature as well as in terms of its implications for theory advancement and for practice.