Disordered eating in gastrointestinal disorders

This thesis consists of three chapters, a literature review, an empirical paper, and a reflective paper. Chapter one is a critical review of case study research on Disordered Eating (DE) in Gastrointestinal disorders (GId). Following both database and manual searches, twelve case study reports, describing 29 cases, were included and reviewed. The case study data shows there be a relationship between DE and GId, though the nature and direction of this relationship remains unclear. Possible risk factors for the onset of DE behaviours in the GId population are identified and discussed, as are suggestions for future research. Chapter two is a quantitative research study looking at DE in people with Crohn’s Disease (CD), compared to the general population. Participants in both groups (CD and control) completed self-reported, standardised measures of eating attitudes/behaviours and mood. The prevalence of DE was shown to be higher for people with CD compared to the general population, with females with CD shown to be most at risk of developing DE behaviours. In addition, anxiety and depression in children is highlighted as a possible risk factor for the development of DE in CD, in children. Clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed. Chapter three is a reflective account exploring the researcher’s research journey, from beginning to end. In this paper the choice of thesis topic is discussed, as are the researcher’s associated thoughts and feelings. The researcher’s epistemological position in relation to the methodology and natural style is also explored