Narrative Therapy, Eating Disorders and Groups: Enhancing Outcomes in Rural NSW
Title:
Narrative Therapy, Eating Disorders and Groups: Enhancing Outcomes in Rural NSW
Author:
Weber, Mim Davis, Kierrynn McPhie, Lisa
Appeared in:
Australian social work
Paging:
Volume 59 (2006) nr. 4 pages 391-405
Year:
2006-12-01
Contents:
The present paper reports on a study conducted with seven women who identified themselves as experiencing depression as well as an eating disorder and who live in a rural region of northern New South Wales. Self-referred, the women participated in a weekly group for 10 weeks, with a mixture of topics, conducted within a narrative therapy framework. A comparison of pre- and post-group tests demonstrated a reduction in depression scores and eating disorder risk. All women reported a change in daily practices, together with less self-criticism. These findings were supported by a post-group evaluation survey that revealed that externalisation of, and disengagement from, the eating disorder strongly assisted the women to make changes in their daily practices. Although preliminary and short term, the outcomes of the present study indicate that group work conducted within a narrative therapy framework may result in positive changes for women entangled with depression and an eating disorder.