“Without this part, it’s hard to truly recover”: adults’ experiences of body compassion in eating disorder recovery—a reflexive thematic analysis
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Eating disorder recovery can be complex, with high relapse rates despite various therapeutic approaches. Recent research suggests body compassion may play a protective role in recovery, but studies remain limited. This study aims to explore adults' experiences of body compassion in their eating disorder recovery journey. Ten adults aged between 19 and 49, self-identified as recovered or ‘in recovery’ from anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and/or binge eating disorder, and who had received therapeutic support, participated in online semi-structured interviews. Following ethical approval, data were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA). Participants described body compassion’s development as a dynamic process captured through five interrelated themes: Foundation, Confusion, Growth, Reconnection, and Resistance. Foundation highlights body compassion’s central role in sustaining recovery. Confusion reflects its initially elusive nature. Growth covers factors and practices supporting its development. Reconnection describes a new relationship with the body through caring actions. Resistance represents a shift toward challenging internalized ideals and societal pressures. These themes inform a tentative model outlining body compassion’s role and progression in recovery. This research frames body compassion as a dynamic, reparative force supporting a more holistic, inclusive, and compassionate approach to eating disorder recovery. These findings highlight the need for person-centred treatment models viewing the body as a site of healing, not just symptom management. Clinicians should integrate clear definitions and targeted body compassion practices while addressing broader sociocultural influences, including social media. Recovering from an eating disorder is often challenging, with many people experiencing relapse even after treatment. This study explored how body compassion—treating one’s body with kindness and acceptance—can support recovery. Through interviews with ten adults recovered or recovering from anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder, we found that body compassion developed gradually over time. Participants described a journey with five key stages: body compassion as a foundation for recovery; feeling initial confusion about what body compassion meant; experiencing growth through supportive practices, people and therapies; reconnecting with the body in a more caring way; and ultimately resisting harmful societal pressures about appearance. Therapies that focused on compassion and trauma-informed approaches were particularly helpful, along with support from others and alignment with personal values. As participants became more compassionate toward their bodies, they shifted from self-criticism to body acceptance and neutrality—neither loving nor hating their bodies. The study highlights the importance of including trauma-informed care in treatment and calls for a broader focus that addresses societal norms prioritising thinness and appearance-based validation, particularly in social media contexts. Overall, body compassion emerged as a powerful and transformative part of recovery, offering a more hopeful and inclusive path to healing.
Source: Journal of Eating Disorders
Institution: University of Plymouth
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,190
OpenAlex ID: W4417092794