“Like putting on an old pair of gloves” or “realising i am actually over it”: a qualitative study exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown restrictions on eating disorder recovery in the UK

Abstract

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic lockdown restrictions posed unique challenges for people living with eating disorders (EDs), particularly relating to social isolation and changes in treatment access. However, less is known about the experience of lockdown for people ‘in recovery’ from EDs or disordered eating (DE) (i.e., with an ED/DE history). This study explored: (i) how people with a self-reported ED/DE history responded to and managed the experience of lockdown, specifically in relation to their recovery, and (ii) coping strategies for the management of recovery. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between June and August 2020 with 20 adults with a self-reported ED/DE history living in the UK. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis within a critical realist framework. Three overarching themes were identified: (1) Seeking safety and stability during a pandemic, (2) Lockdown prompting realisations about recovery, and (3) Exploring self-compassion as a more adaptive approach. While most participants experienced a resurgence in ED symptoms during lockdown, many reflected on the successful management of these as reinforcing their recovery. These findings have important implications for understanding ED recovery, in addition to informing interventions to better promote recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.