Accounts of experiences of bulimia: A discourse analytic study

Author(s): LeCouteur, A., Hepworth, J.

Journal/Book: Int J Eating Disorder. 1998; 24: 605 Third Ave, New York, NY 10158-0012. John Wiley & Sons Inc. 193-205.

Abstract: Objectives: To identify the variety of versions of bulimia constructed by participants, to suggest functions and consequences of these constructions, and to examine the sociocultural ideologies evident in participants' discourse. Methods: Ten women and one man were interviewed about their experiences of bulimia. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using a discourse analytic approach. Results: Five dominant ways of talking about bulimia were identified: Individuals were constructed as victims of bulimia, women were constructed as victims of social stereotypes, bulimia was constructed as a damaging action one performs on oneself, bulimia was constructed as a personality trait of individuals, and bulimia was marginalized as abnormal and disgusting. Discussion: Sociocultural ideologies evident in participants' accounts included the valuing of individual will-power and self-mastery and the construction of a mind-body dichotomy entailing the need to control the latter.:The analysis emphasizes the importance of considering the sociocultural context within which psychological problems occur.

Note: Article LeCouteur A, Univ Adelaide, Dept Psychol, Adelaide, SA 5005, AUSTRALIA

Keyword(s): bulimia; discourse analysis; ideology

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