A qualitative analysis of relationship advice from the perspective of people living with and recovering from eating disorders while in diverse romantic relationships

Eating disorders (EDs) have adverse consequences across life domains, ranging from physical health to interpersonal relationships. While research suggests that romantic partners have the potential to support ED recovery, partners to those with EDs often report feeling confused and helpless in the face of the condition. The extant literature on EDs in relationships centers on the experiences of cisgender, heterosexual women. The present study aimed to garner a more comprehensive understanding of the types of support people with EDs believe are most helpful from romantic partners by analyzing relationship advice from a diverse group of individuals with EDs who were in romantic relationships. As part of a larger study on romantic relationships in ED recovery, we analyzed responses to the question, If you had to give one piece of advice to someone who learns that their partner has an ED, what would it be? Through Consensual Qualitative Research-Modified, we identified 29 themes, which we grouped into 7 domains: Foster Open Communication, Create an Environment of Emotional Intimacy, Let Your Partner Guide You, Educate Yourself, Be Compassionate with Yourself, Use Caution when Discussing Food and Bodies, and a Miscellaneous domain. These findings highlight the importance of patience, flexibility, psychoeducation, and self-compassion for individuals working to support their partner's ED recovery, and can inform future couples-based treatments and interventions for EDs.

Automated summary

Eating disorders have negative effects on physical health and interpersonal relationships. Existing literature on eating disorders in relationships mainly focuses on cisgender, heterosexual women, with limited research on non-binary individuals. This study aimed to understand the types of support individuals with eating disorders find helpful from their romantic partners. The findings emphasize the importance of patience, flexibility, psychoeducation, and self-compassion in supporting a partner's eating disorder recovery, and can inform future couples-based treatments and interventions for eating disorders.