The Perception of Persons with Anorexia Nervosa on Quality of Life: an Initial Investigation

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an illness with a large impact on an individual’s quality of life, affecting relationships with friends and family, social inclusion, employment, personal development, and physical health, among other domains. However, most QoL studies primarily focus on health-related QoL without paying attention to the psychosocial and subjective aspects of QoL. In this study, QoL in persons with AN is investigated from a broad perspective. More specifically, this study aims at (1) gaining insight into the personal meaning of QoL of persons recovering from AN, (2) specifying the indicators of the QoL model of Schalock (J Intellect Disabil Res 48(3):203–216, 2004) for persons with AN, and (3) exploring the relationship between a specific treatment program and the perception on QoL of persons with AN. Therefore, in-depth interviews were conducted with 17 persons recovering from AN, who are supported by Empathie, a therapeutic center in Flanders, using solution-focused therapy and client-centered therapy, combined with a systemic orientation. The participants spontaneously mentioned the following themes when asked which elements are important to have a good QoL: interpersonal relationships, personal development, being able to relax, self-determination, and having a healthy lifestyle. Each domain of the QoL model of Schalock was operationalized into specific indicators for persons with AN. These indicators can help service providers to tailor their support strategies to the needs of each patient. The participants reported that being in therapy had positively influenced the following domains: interpersonal relationships, emotional well-being, self-determination, and social inclusion.