Eating disorders: a multiple-case investigation of the Internet e-mail correspondence of women's lived experience

This study examines the lived experiences of women with eating disorders. The data consists of several (n=4) participants' written correspondence on a weekly basis over four months via electronic mail. Using an interpretive paradigm, the data from this multiple-case study was analyzed using a constant comparative method that employed thematic analysis and axial coding. Any themes that emerged were explicated and explored further. Accounts of the participants' lived experiences indicated that many women with eating disorders perceive that precipitating events in their childhood such as sexual abuse, perfectionism and rigidity in the family, poor communication styles in the family, and extemal influences such as peer and societal values and beliefs have lead to the development of disordered eating patterns in their lives. Furthermore, the participants believe that since the development of their eating disorder, there are certain factors such as feelings of guilt, shame, and low self-esteem that continue to perpetuate their disordered eating patterns.

The participants' writings further indicated that their eating disorders affect every aspect of their lives including their relationships with family and friends, their behavior in work and school settings, their emotions and cognitions, their sexuality, spirituality, and body image. These women explored their daily routines in great detail, discussing the binge experience, purging through the use of laxatives, diuretics, and excessive exercise, and environmental cues that trigger disordered eating behaviors. The participants addressed their attempts at "getting better" and described the various strategies that have employed.

Overall, the participants indicate that participating in this intemet-based study via electronic mail correspondence was a positive experience for them. The results of this study provide a better understanding of the daily lived experiences of women with eating disorders. The implications of this study are emancipating for these women and should lead to more sensitive treatment approaches with those who have eating disorders. Further research is needed in gaining a better understanding of women with eating disorders. Finally, future research should continue to explore the viability of the Intemet as a medium for data collection.