The lived experience of bulimia nervosa : a phenomenological study

Bulimia nervosa is an emotional disorder that impacts the lives of individuals, families, and society as a whole. It is estimated that up to 80% of North American women suffer from sub-clinical eating disorders, with 20% ultimately manifesting full-blown anorexia or bulimia nervosa (Farrell, 1999). -- In this study, a phenomenological method of inquiry was selected to explore the lived experience of bulimia nervosa. Seven females, nineteen years of age and older, each participated in two audiotaped interviews. During the interviews participants were encouraged to speak openly and freely about their experience with bulimia nervosa. Data analysis was conducted in line with van Manen's method of hermeneutic phenomenology. -- From the writing and rewriting of the text, five themes emerged: feelings of inadequacy, struggling for control, concealment, consumed by the illness, and the elusive road to recovery. The interrelationships between the five themes guided the essence of the lived experience of bulimia nervosa: searching for acceptance and a meaningful existence. Study's findings and new insights into the lived experience of bulimia nervosa are discussed, as well as the implications for nursing, health care providers and the health care system. Nursing as well as other health care professionals are challenged to develop effective treatment modalities to help alleviate the suffering of individuals and families