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Using behavioural reasoning theory to explore reasons for dietary restriction: a qualitative study of orthorexic behavioural tendencies in the UK

Using behavioural reasoning theory to explore reasons for dietary restriction: a qualitative study of orthorexic behavioural tendencies in the UK

Mitrofanova, Elina ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2907-6178, Pummell, Elizabeth/K.L., Mulrooney, Hilda/M. and Petróczi, Andrea (2021) Using behavioural reasoning theory to explore reasons for dietary restriction: a qualitative study of orthorexic behavioural tendencies in the UK. Frontiers in Psychology, 12:685545. pp. 1-14. ISSN 1664-1078 (Online) (doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.685545)

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Abstract

Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) has gained increased attention in academia since 1997. However, like other “Exia” conditions, there is debate around its inclusion in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This study aimed to examine the experiences of those following a diet indicative of ON in the United Kingdom. This information is essential to the development of diagnostic criteria and classification of ON. Behavioural Reasoning Theory was used to explore reasons contributing to the development of ON. Ten individuals (two males and eight females), aged 23–35 years, took part in semi-structured interviews. Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse the results. Four themes emerged from the data—journey, social, rules/control, and ethical considerations which highlighted contributing factors to the development of ON behaviours, the impact of these behaviours on individuals' social lives, and a strive for control. These findings are the first to suggest that ON involves a more complex set of behaviours than current definitions and proposed diagnostic criteria suggest and highlight the need to consider a variety of reasons for restricted diet when developing diagnostic criteria, screening tools, and classification in the DSM.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: orthorexia nervosa; restricted diet; healthy eating; eating disorder; food purity; food choices; food ethics
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group: Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences
Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development
Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development > Centre for Mental Health
Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Human Sciences (HUM)
Related URLs:
Last Modified: 27 Jun 2023 10:45
URI: http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/42424

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