The Impact of Maladaptive Schema on Disordered Eating: A Collective Case Study

This qualitative study is based on the reality that disordered eating such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and compulsive overeating resulting in obesity represent a major and growing problem in community health. Treatment models using cognitive behavioral therapy suggest that those diagnosed with an eating disorder tend to judge themselves in terms of their body shape, weight, and eating habits. However, the recovery rate for those treated for an eating disorder that only addresses those three issues identified above is less than 60%. A number of quantitative studies have provided evidence that other maladaptive schema may contribute to bulimic and anorexic behaviors. Fewer studies have addressed this issue in relationship to compulsive overeating resulting in obesity. This collective case study further explored and identified other maladaptive schema associated with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and compulsive overeating resulting in obesity that interfere in the long term recovery. This case study will allow the participants to express thoughts and emotions surrounding their disordered eating in their own voices. This collective case study provides evidence that persons diagnosed with disordered eating have carried early life events into adulthood and that these events have created maladaptive schema which may be interfering in their recovery process