Browsing by Person "Williams, Sarah"

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A grounded theory approach to the phenomenon of pro-anorexia
(Taylor & Francis, 2007) Williams, Sarah; Reid, Marie
This research looked at the thoughts and feelings expressed by visitors to pro-anorexic websites to find out how they felt about anorexia and why they used pro-anorexic sites. Using grounded theory (Strauss A, Corbin J. 1998. Basics of qualitative research: Techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory. 2nd ed. London: Sage), the information expressed by 176 participants on two pro-anorexic message boards and one online journal over eight frequently occurring topics was analysed. People believe in pro-anorexia because they want anorexic behaviours and feel positive towards them, however, anorexia could also be considered a problem at times when for some it was constituted a disorder with negative implications. Depictions of anorexia were very diverse. It is suggested that health professionals need to take into account the anorexic individual's perspectives of their anorexia in order that more successful treatment can be given. Additional research into anorexic's perspectives needs to be conducted to further develop understandings of anorexia and the ways it is viewed by those who have it.
Eating disorders patients' views on their disorders and on an outpatient service : a qualitative study
(Sage, 2008-10) Reid, Marie; Burr, Jennifer; Williams, Sarah; Hammersley, Richard
The objective of the study was to determine sufferers' views of outpatient treatment for eating disorders and provide practical recommendations for treatment practice. Twenty NHS outpatients participated in semi-structured interviews, which were subjected to thematic analysis. Respondents expressed ambivalence about whether their eating disorder is a way of exerting control or a disorder that controls them and this leads to them seeking treatment. Sufferers preferred a practical and sensitive approach and began to rely on treatment for recovery. Treatment needs to facilitate sufferers' need for control by striking a balance between practical and empathetic approaches that both involve patients in treatment decisions and give authoritative guidance.
'It's like there are two people in my head': A phenomenological exploration of anorexia nervosa and its relationship to the self
(2012) Williams, Sarah; Reid, Marie
This study explores the lived experience of anorexia nervosa from the perspective of those who use pro-recovery websites for eating disorders. Fourteen people participated in an online focus group or an e-interview. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Participants described their disorder as a functional tool for avoiding and coping with negative emotions, changing their identity and obtaining control. A central theme was the experience of an 'anorexic voice' with both demonic and friendly qualities. This voice felt like an external entity that criticised individuals and sometimes dominated their sense of self, particularly as anorexia nervosa got worse. Applying dialogical theory suggests a new model of anorexia nervosa, where the anorexic voice is a self-critical position, which disagrees with and attempts to dominate the more rational self. It is suggested that to move on from anorexia nervosa, the individual needs to address his/her anorexic voice and develop a new dominant position that accepts and values his/her sense of self. 2012 Taylor & Francis.
Managing Eating Disorder Patients in Primary Care in the UK: A Qualitative Study
(2010-01) Reid, Marie; Williams, Sarah; Hammersley, Richard
It is the general practitioner's (GP's) responsibility to diagnose and manage the care of eating disorder patients but recent surveys suggest that there may be problems. In this qualitative study we have explored the perceptions of 20 GPs. In general they felt that eating disorders had little quantitative impact on their services due to low prevalence, but a high impact when they did occurr due to their complexity. Patients' needs in primary care include improved assessment, constructive holding and monitoring, staff training, referral and continuity of care. Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Managing eating disorder patients in Primary Care: a UK based qualitative study.
(Oxford Journals, 2009-12-22) Reid, Marie; Williams, Sarah; Hammersley, Richard
It is the general practitioner's (GP's) responsibility to diagnose and manage the care of eating disorder patients but recent surveys suggest that there may be problems. In this qualitative study we have explored the perceptions of 20 GPs. In general they felt that eating disorders had little quantitative impact on their services due to low prevalence, but a high impact when they did occurr due to their complexity. Patients' needs in primary care include improved assessment, constructive holding and monitoring, staff training, referral and continuity of care.
Methodological reflections on the use of asynchronous online focus groups in health research
(2012) Williams, Sarah; Giatsi Clausen, Maria; Robertson, Ann; Peacock, Susi; McPherson, Kerri
The internet is increasingly used as a tool in qualitative research. In particular, asynchronous online focus groups are used when factors such as cost, time or access to participants can make conducting face-to-face research difficult. In this article we consider key methodological issues involved in using asynchronous online focus groups to explore experiences of health and illness. The written nature of internet communication, the lack of physical presence and the asynchronous, longitudinal aspects enable participants who might not normally contribute to research studies to reflect on their personal stories before disclosing them to the researcher. Implications for study design, recruitment strategies and ethics should be considered when deciding whether to use this method.
Perspectives on eating disorders and service provision: a qualitative study of healthcare professionals
(2010) Reid, Marie; Williams, Sarah; Burr, Jennifer
The study examined healthcare professionals' perspectives of eating disorder patients and services. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 healthcare professionals resulting in two themes. First, the practical difficulties of meeting the complex service needs of people with eating disorders were illustrated. Second, staff recognised patient diversity and the consequent need for individualised interventions. Services are frustrated in meeting patients needs due to complex resource limitations, which do not amount to lack of funding. Rather than eating disordered patients being viewed as 'difficult', as reported in previous qualitative research, they are only difficult in a context of limited resources.
The experience of conducting online focus groups
(2010) Williams, Sarah; Giatsi Clausen, Maria; Robertson, Ann; Peacock, Susi
The role of learning technologists in supporting e-research
(2009) Peacock, Susi; Robertson, Ann; Williams, Sarah; Giatsi Clausen, Maria
This article explores how the role of learning technologists, a professional group that has emerged during the last 15 to 20 years, may be diversifying to include supporting e-research. It contributes to the current debate about the emerging profession and the roles it should play in contemporary higher education. Previous studies have shown that, typically, the profession's role has focussed almost exclusively on curriculum development; traditionally, learning technologists work with students and tutors to enhance the learning environment with technology. This article presents two case studies of PhD research that used a standard e-learning tool, the virtual learning environment (VLE), to conduct focus groups online. The case studies demonstrate the expert role of the learning technologist in supporting researchers to make informed decisions about whether and how to use e-learning tools to conduct qualitative e-research. The learning technologist advised on the potential advantages and limitations of using the VLE for research and fostered collaborative, working relationships with the researchers, acquiring extensive background knowledge about their projects. This required the learning technologist to draw upon her own experience with research into e-learning and on her professional experience gained from supporting curriculum developments. It is suggested that many learning technologists could extend their roles, transferring their knowledge to include supporting e-research. A more inclusive model of the learning technologist's role in academia could help address the potential polarisation of the profession into researchers and practitioners.
Understanding Anorexia Nervosa: an online phenomenological approach
(Queen Margaret University, 2009) Williams, Sarah
Anorexia has often been theorised as a way of obtaining a sense of control and a sense of identity. Previous research has identified the positive functions anorexia plays for those who experience it. Healthcare professionals perceive anorexia as something to be treated whilst those experiencing it are often ambivalent and see it as something to maintain. Those who feel misunderstood in their offline environment can turn to the physically anonymous environment of the internet to discuss their experiences and opinions. The aims of the research were (1) to determine the understandings of anorexia, recovery and treatment through participants' lived experiences, and (2) to identify how participants' understandings affected pathways to and through treatment. An online phenomenological approach was used to explore the experiences of those recruited through online resources for anorexia. Data was collected using online focus groups and e-mail interviews and was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results indicated a strong theme of maintenance of anorexia due to its egosyntonic and functional role. Anorexia was initially perceived as a solution to problems or crises but over time it became problematic. Nonetheless, strong psychosocial mechanisms such as feelings of ambivalence, an 'anorexic voice' and a sense of feeling addicted to anorexia affected its maintenance. Recovery required the acceptance of anorexia as a problem. Recovery was interpreted as a sense of living rather than existing and required four main factors: self-acceptance, acceptance of and from others, the development of alternative, healthy behaviours and the ability to manage residual anorexic cognitions. Implications for treatment are discussed. Online communication is considered a safe environment due to its physical anonymity, allowing people to feel more comfortable disclosing views and experiences that may be stigmatised or uncomfortable to discuss in an offline situation. Future research should utilise the internet in conducting studies with people with body image issues.
Understanding the experience of ambivalence in anorexia nervosa : the maintainer's perspective
(2010-06) Williams, Sarah; Reid, Marie
People with anorexia often feel ambivalent about whether they wish to maintain it or recover from it. One place where individuals can communicate their experiences of wanting to maintain their anorexia is through pro-anorexia websites. This study investigated the experiences and understandings of those who wish to maintain their anorexia and looked at how these understandings may affect their treatment experiences. Data were collected online and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Anorexia denoted meanings of a 'tool', an 'entity' and a 'disease'. Participants felt ambivalent about whether their anorexia gave them control or controlled them, whether it played a positive or negative role and whether they wished to maintain their behaviours or recover. Participants also discussed barriers to recovery. Theoretical and treatment implications are discussed.
Using a virtual learning environment as a research tool: online focus groups in WebCT
(2010-01-08) Peacock, Susi; Williams, Sarah; Robertson, Ann; Giatsi Clausen, Maria