A Narrative Exploration of 'Unhealthy' Attitudes Towards 'Healthy' Eating.

Abstract

This qualitative research study employed a narrative method, in order to explore how individuals who consider themselves to have an ‘unhealthy’ approach to ‘healthy’ eating make sense of this experience through the stories they tell. Narrative interviews were undertaken with four research participants and the data was subsequently subjected to a six stage Critical Narrative Analysis. This allowed for a multi-layered analytical approach that identified narrative tone and function, the creation of identity through narrative, dominant narrative themes and the opportunity to interrogate the texts further from a feminist standpoint. In particular, attention was paid to the impact of broader sociocultural influences on the narratives. Implications for therapeutic practice with eating disordered individuals are subsequently explored and suggestions are made for the direction of future research