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Discursive constructions of eating disorders: A story completion task

Walsh, Eleanor; Malson, Helen

Authors

Eleanor Walsh



Abstract

Using a post-structualist, discourse analytic framework this study investigates constructions of 'anorexia' and 'bulimia' made by young people. A story completion methodology was employed to allow young people to express their understandings of eating disorders. This involved participants completing two stories, about a fictional female character, Ashley, described as engaging in either anorexic-type or bulimic-type eating behaviour. Analysis of the resulting stories demonstrated several ways in which both 'anorexia' and 'bulimia'were constructed as problematic, as pathologized and as requiring treatment. These constructions were framed within conflicting paternalistic and neo-liberal narratives, whereby Ashley was constituted as both a passive and active patient in her treatment. The implications of these narratives are briefly discussed in terms of their reproduction of normative constructions of young women's eating patterns and in terms of representations of accountability for young women's health. © 2010 The Author(s).

Citation

Walsh, E., & Malson, H. (2010). Discursive constructions of eating disorders: A story completion task. Feminism and Psychology, 20(4), 529-537. https://doi.org/10.1177/0959353509350759

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Nov 1, 2010
Journal Feminism and Psychology
Print ISSN 0959-3535
Electronic ISSN 1461-7161
Publisher SAGE Publications
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 20
Issue 4
Pages 529-537
DOI https://doi.org/10.1177/0959353509350759
Keywords eating disorders, story completion, qualitative analysis, body image
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/974075
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0959353509350759