Images
Megan Knedgen, PsyD, is a 2023 graduate of the PsyD Program in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University, Seattle.
Dissertation Committee
Dana Waters, PsyD, ABPP, Committee Chair
Wendy Oliver-Pyatt, MD, CEDS, Committee Member
Melissa Kennedy, PhD, Committee Member
Keywords
avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, interpretative phenomenological analysis, adults, DSM-5
Document Type
Dissertation
Publication Date
2023
Abstract
This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of adults with a DSM-5 diagnosis of avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) aiming to describe key features of ARFID as it is understood by treatment-seeking adults. Nine treatment-seeking adults with a full-threshold diagnosis of ARFID (aged 20–42) were recruited. In-depth, semi-structured, qualitative interviews were conducted to explore participants’ experiences and perceptions of avoidant and/or restrictive eating. Transcripts were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis, through which three group experimental themes were generated: (a) “A tradeoff between safety and freedom,” (b) “A broken self,” and (c) “Being seen: A double-edged sword.” This study’s findings highlighted participants’ perspectives on ARFID which may help enhance treatment quality, retention, and engagement, as well as inform the development and implementation of future interventions.
Recommended Citation
Knedgen, M. (2023). “Avoid it like the plague”: Adults' Lived Experience of Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. https://aura.antioch.edu/etds/920
Comments
Megan Knedgen, PsyD, 2023
ORCID Scholar ID# 0000-0003-0890-6897