Qualitative Exploration of Loneliness in Eating Disorders

Although supportive relationships emerge as fundamental in successful recovery, the topic continues to be overlooked in research and treatment. There is little knowledge on how the meanings of social connection change across recovery trajectories and how these changes shape the diverse experiences of loneliness during different phases of illness (onset, acute illness, recovery). Although past research points out the mixed impact of low and high social support, the ambivalence of relationships (e.g. competitiveness among peers with EDs) remains unaddressed. Applying the Social Identity Approach, the study will explore participants’ experiences of loneliness over the lived course of ED, focusing on how social groups, belonging, and reconnection shape these experiences. It aims to understand how people rebuild social ties and a sense of belonging. Therefore, this qualitative study aims to bridge this gap by shedding light on the differential experience of loneliness related to changes in social group memberships.