Some of the latest research is focussing on smaller areas of eating disorders. In trying to find understanding which translates into treatment, which translates into health, eating disorders are being taken apart and looked at through every layer.
To get forward movement in research this is a good approach. But when handing down the results of the research we have to be careful. Such small areas of focus does not mean that the results can be shown to be a blanket approach. And we need to be careful the of wording used in the research title and findings.
The below demonstrates this. The latest research caused a lot of comment across blogs with its wording and seemingly blanket approach. It is very good research and is quite correct in saying what it does. It highlights areas and provides understanding of emotions and behavior that has barely been discussed. We need this kind of research.
However, the word positive conjures up the wrong idea. In today’s society there are so many positive self-esteem approaches, so many positive ideas for health, wealth and life. By aligning ‘positive’ to this research it seems to correlate it to the life we know – those of us who don’t suffer from an eating disorder. For those with an eating disorder, the word positive is not positive at all. Like every other word and behaviour, ‘positive’ has been distorted, maligned and perverted through the eyes of the ED. It is not a ‘positive’ emotion as we know it. Nor does the ‘positive’ emotion last or build-up the person. It is fleeting, drowned in the ever-present, and quick to deny, ED voice. It does not build-up the person, only puts down and is a destructive force of ‘positivity’. Understand that those with an ED do gain a positive, determined or proud emotion but it is distorted and focussed on tearing themselves apart.
The other thing we need to be mindful of, is that whilst this type of research is great, it must be made clear that not all sufferers will experience these emotions. Eating disorders don’t come as a one-size fits all. That’s what makes them difficult to treat and find a treatment plan that works. Sophie is just one example of many – someone who didn’t find positive or pride to be words to describe her journey. And if they were there in any measure, they were really negative emotions pretending to be positive emotions. Weight lost meant she had failed to lose enough. She failed on every level – no pride, no positive emotion. Only failure and the voice of the anorexia telling her what as failure she was.
In looking for ‘positive’ or ‘pride’ in each sufferer we can overlook other words that can help toward recovery. Negative words they may be, but a negative ALWAYS has a positive. Rigid can be turned into determination. Fear can become guarded (ie protection). By looking in a more positive way for the negative words that describe an eating disorder, you can turn on a light for those in recovery. Just thinking or rewording something in a different way can bring about change that can be harnessed for recovery. It’s something that Sophie’s counselor did with quite a few of the negative words that come with the diagnosis of an eating disorder. Photographers change their camera lens to get a different view of the same subject, the same can be done with eating disorders to gain precious steps forward for recovery.
The links and summaries of the research findings are below. Worth reading, worth understanding and definitely worth seeing if they describe where you are in the illness.
** http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/280662.php
Past research claims that negative emotions, such as feeling depressed or angry, can fuel anorexia nervosa. But a new study from Rutgers University in New Jersey finds the eating disorder can also be encouraged by “skewed” positive emotions, such as feeling pride after weight loss.** http://www.scienceworldreport.com/articles/16427/20140804/anorexia-may-be-encouraged-by-pride.htm
A new study conducted by researchers at Rutgers University examines the complications related to the health issue. Study results showed that individuals dealing with this complicated obsession often pride themselves on how much weight they can lose, according to findings published in the journal Clinical Psychological Science.
** http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/overcoming-self-sabotage/201408/anorexia-nervosa-and-positive-emotion
Although it is well established that many with anorexia experience body dissatisfaction and apprehension about weight gain, the rewarding aspects of weight loss may be particularly pronounced during the development of anorexia and have not been well studied (Walsh, 2013). Many anorexic patients believe their ability to lose weight makes them more attractive and builds self-control and confidence. Another source of positive reinforcement in anorexia may be through exposure to stimuli that promote extreme weight loss, such as content posted on “Pro-Ana” (Pro-Anorexia) websites, which feature images of thin/emaciated women and inspirational quotes for weight loss.
