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The Development and Progression of Orthorexia Nervosa: Toward Defining an Emerging Eating Disorder

DeBois, Kristen Alana
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1585488932218267

Abstract Details

2020, PHD, Kent State University, College of Public Health.
As concerns rise over weight-based stigma and victimization, eating disorder prevention and treatment has gained recognition as a public health priority. Presently, approximately 30 million Americans experience eating disorder symptoms. These disorders are characterized by chronicity and relapse and have the potential for severe and enduring negative health outcomes, including cardiovascular compromise. More alarming, eating disorders have the highest risk of mortality of any mental health disorder. Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is an emerging pattern of disordered eating which appears to share characteristics of anorexia nervosa (AN), but differs in its primary motivation. It has been suggested that ON is driven by a pathological desire to consume only highly nutritious foods, absent of a concern over body weight. Current diagnostic criteria for AN require the presence of distorted body image, suggesting that AN prevention and treatment approaches may not be appropriate for individuals with, or at risk for developing ON. Accordingly, it is necessary to determine if ON and AN are unique disorders, by developing knowledge of how and why the disorder manifests, as the design of appropriate interventions relies upon an understanding of motivations for pursuing dietary restriction. While several published case studies on the subject of ON have provided detailed information about characteristics of the disorder, they do not provide adequate evidence to inform prevention and treatment strategies which might be effective in multiple contexts, or with a variety of individuals. Further, currently available instruments have been unable to distinguish between AN and ON, and in some cases, between individuals with knowledge of healthy diet and those with pathological obsessions. Although there has been an increased interest in ON, the definition, diagnostic criteria, and true prevalence of the condition remain unclear, warranting further exploration of this nascent disorder. The present study utilized qualitative interviews to explore the experience of ON as described by a purposively selected sample of eighteen participants recruited through “pro-ana” forums specifically intended for use by individuals who have ON symptomology. Data collection and analysis was guided by Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Five superordinate themes emerged, including the relationship between orthorexia nervosa and other eating disorders, absolute thinking, the role of information, the role of self, and what is lost. Each superordinate theme contained several subordinate themes. These findings suggest that although there is a substantial overlap between AN and ON symptoms, individuals with ON consider the disorder to be distinct. Many of the findings were consistent with previous research, such as the obsessive nature of food preoccupation resulting in excessive time appropriated for information seeking and meal preparation, as well as negative social and emotional impacts. However, while the currently accepted criteria for ON emphasize an absence of weight-related concerns in an individual with ON, the results of the present study suggest that weight control is the primary motivating factor in the escalating pattern of restriction. These findings provide a basis for clarifying diagnostic criteria and enhancing the reliability and validity of screening instruments, as well as provide additional evidence for determining the appropriate designation of ON as a feeding or eating disorder.
Jeffrey Hallam (Committee Co-Chair)
Sheryl Chatfield (Committee Co-Chair)
Jennifer Warren (Committee Member)
Janice Yoder (Committee Member)
123 p.
Public Health
Orthorexia nervosa; eating disorders; Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis; qualitative

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • DeBois, K. A. (2020). The Development and Progression of Orthorexia Nervosa: Toward Defining an Emerging Eating Disorder [Doctoral dissertation, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1585488932218267

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • DeBois, Kristen. The Development and Progression of Orthorexia Nervosa: Toward Defining an Emerging Eating Disorder. 2020. Kent State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1585488932218267.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • DeBois, Kristen. "The Development and Progression of Orthorexia Nervosa: Toward Defining an Emerging Eating Disorder." Doctoral dissertation, Kent State University, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1585488932218267

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

kent1585488932218267
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This open access ETD is published by Kent State University and OhioLINK.