The Maltese psychologists’ lived experience of working with eating disorders

Abstract

The aim of this qualitative study is to gain in-depth understanding of the Maltese Psychologists’ lived experience of working with eating disorders. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with three psychologists (two females, one male). Two of these participants were Health Psychologists and one was a Clinical Psychologist. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis resulting in five superordinate themes. These were: (a) Causes of eating disorders; (b) Family dynamics as a precursor to eating disorders; (c) Treating people with eating disorders; (d) The neglect of obesity as an eating disorder and (e) Psychological support provided within health-care services. Various reasonings determined why a psychologist’s work is important in eating disorders. Participants felt that the role of a newly incorporated holistic treatment facility, ‘Dar Kenn Għal Saħħtek’, can be beneficial in certain situations. These and other findings are discussed in relation to previous literature. This study can inform health care providers of the current situation, strengths and limitations; and to re-evaluate existing structures for further psychological interventions. Recommendations for future research are also given.