Abstract
BackgroundA common complaint of individuals suffering from mental health conditions is feeling invalidated or misunderstood by care providers. This is notable, given that non-collaborative care has been linked to poor engagement, low motivation and treatment non-adherence. This study examined how receiving validation from care providers is experienced by individuals who have an eating disorder (ED) and the impact of receiving validation on the recovery journey.MethodsEighteen individuals who had an eating disorder for an average duration of 19.1 years (two identifying as male, 16 identifying as female), participated in semi-structured interviews on barriers and facilitators to self-compassion. Seven were fully recovered, and 11 were currently participating in recovery-focused residential treatment. Thematic analysis focused on the meaning and impact of receiving validation to participants.ResultsFive care provider actions were identified: (i) making time and space for me, (ii) offering a compassionate perspective, (iii) understanding and recognizing my treatment needs, (iv) showing me I can do this, and (v) walking the runway. These were associated with four key experiences (feeling trust, cared for, empowered, and inspired), that participants described as supportive of their recovery.ConclusionsThis research provides insight into patient perspectives of validation and strategies care providers can use, such as compassionate reframing of difficult life experiences, matching interventions to patient readiness, and modeling vulnerability.
Highlights
Validation has been defined as “being awake to, accurately reflecting, and conveying acceptance of a patient’s behavior, thoughts, or feelings” [1]
The purpose of this research was to learn about the role of validation in eating disorders treatment from patients’ perspectives, and to learn how the experience of validation supports recovery from an eating disorder
Five care provider actions were identified as engendering feelings of validation: (i) making time and space for me, (ii) offering a compassionate perspective, (iii) understanding and recognizing my treatment needs, (iv) showing me I can do this, and (v) walking the runway
Summary
Validation has been defined as “being awake to, accurately reflecting, and conveying acceptance of a patient’s behavior, thoughts, or feelings” [1]. There are three mechanisms by which validation has been proposed to promote recovery in the treatment of mental health conditions It may increase the stability of self-views by helping to define and organize experiences and improve one’s ability to navigate difficult social interactions [8, 9]. This may be helpful for individuals with EDs, who have been characterized as having higher levels of attachment insecurity [10]. A common complaint of individuals suffering from mental health conditions is feeling invalidated or misunderstood by care providers This is notable, given that non-collaborative care has been linked to poor engagement, low motivation and treatment non-adherence. This study examined how receiving validation from care providers is experienced by individuals who have an eating disorder (ED) and the impact of receiving validation on the recovery journey
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