Eating disorders and Christian spirituality: An exploratory and co-design approach to prevention, whole-person care and recovery
About this study
Understanding Christian Spirituality and Eating Disorders – Seeking Your Input Researchers from The University of Queensland, The University of Notre Dame, Flinders University and The Melbourne School of Theology are seeking your help to understand the experience of Christian spirituality in eating disorders and to co-design a resource to support spiritually integrated care for those who would like this.
Research TeamDr Hayley Thomas; A/Prof Megan Best; Dr Clare O'Callaghan, Rev Dr Michael Brautigam; Dr Thomas Kimber; Prof Tracey Wade; Ms Nadya Rykina-Tameeva; A/Prof Nancy Sturman
Ethics Approval Number2023/HE001764
Funding SourceThe John Templeton Foundation
Project Start Date1 January 2024
Project End Date26 October 2028
ParticipantsYou may be interested in participating if you:
1. Have lived experience of an eating disorder (and identify as Christian, previously Christian, or having exposure to Christian contexts that you believe is relevant)
2. Are a carer of, or have had a close relationship with someone experiencing an eating disorder
3. Are a healthcare professional (of any, or no, religious or spiritual background) caring for people with eating disorders
4. Provide Christian pastoral care to people experiencing eating disorders. This may include, for example, clergy, lay pastoral carers, youth workers, chaplains, Christian school teachers etc.
1. Have lived experience of an eating disorder (and identify as Christian, previously Christian, or having exposure to Christian contexts that you believe is relevant)
2. Are a carer of, or have had a close relationship with someone experiencing an eating disorder
3. Are a healthcare professional (of any, or no, religious or spiritual background) caring for people with eating disorders
4. Provide Christian pastoral care to people experiencing eating disorders. This may include, for example, clergy, lay pastoral carers, youth workers, chaplains, Christian school teachers etc.
What is InvolvedParticipants will initially complete the online study consent form and a short demographic survey.
Selected survey respondents will be invited to participate in an individual 60-90 minute Zoom interview regarding their experiences of Christian spirituality in their eating disorder journey, and/or in supporting others through this journey. Later, a smaller group of participants will be invited to engage in 3 to 4 half-day workshops, aiming to co-design a resource to assist in Christian spiritual integration in a whole person approach to eating disorder care for people who would like this. All survey respondents will also be emailed requesting feedback on the draft resource.
Selected survey respondents will be invited to participate in an individual 60-90 minute Zoom interview regarding their experiences of Christian spirituality in their eating disorder journey, and/or in supporting others through this journey. Later, a smaller group of participants will be invited to engage in 3 to 4 half-day workshops, aiming to co-design a resource to assist in Christian spiritual integration in a whole person approach to eating disorder care for people who would like this. All survey respondents will also be emailed requesting feedback on the draft resource.
LocationAustralia/New Zealand
Contact Details
Dr Hayley Thomas; h.thomas@uq.edu.au