Voices of Maintenance: Exploring Sustained Recovery from an Eating Disorder

We are conducting a research project exploring the lived experiences of Australian adults who have achieved sustained recovery from an eating disorder, with a particular focus on the maintenance stage — how people stay well over time.

While much research focuses on acute treatment or early recovery, far less is known about what supports long‑term recovery. This project aims to address that gap by centring the voices of people who have lived, expert knowledge of sustaining recovery.

Our research team brings together expertise in eating disorder research, clinical practice, qualitative methods, and recovery‑oriented care. Lived experience is embedded within the leadership of this project. Members of the research team have personal lived experience of eating disorder recovery alongside their professional roles.

We are also fortunate to have a Lived Experience Advisory Group, made up of people who have personal experience of sustained recovery from an eating disorder. Their perspectives guide the project to ensure the research remains grounded in what matters most to people with lived expertise. So far, this has included shaping the scope of the project, the eligibility criteria, the interview questions, the recruitment approach, and the EOI form. The Lived Experience Advisory Group will also provide meaningful contributions to early themes arising from data analysis and advise on how findings are interpreted and shared with the community.