The assessment of family relationships from the view of the girls and young women suffering from the anorexia nervosa
Abstract
The article deals with relations between the anorexia nervosa and the family settings. In a theoretical introduction I present a short definition of anorexia nervosa (diagnostic criteria, prognosis of the disease, theories on the origin of mental anorexy, somatic complications and therapeutic attitudes). Then I briefly pursue the family area, which constitutes the primary social background for the child, which most of all forms the personality of an individual and which is irreplaceable in its nature. The aim of the research was to chart family relations and their dynamics from the view of girls and young women suffering from mental anorexy. The focus lies on qualitative methodology.
Methods used were: semi-structured interview and the Family System Test, which hasn't been applied on this matter in the Czech Republic yet. The research sample consisted of eight female respondents between 18 and 28 years old. The criteria were: to be single, childless, to come from complete families, and to be treated from anorexia nervosa in an ambulatory way or in the hospital.
The article also includes results of the Family System Test, which is focused on evaluation of these dimensions: coherence, hierarchy, adaptability and flexibility. Results of the semistructured interview with girls are also presented. Either from the interview and the Family System Test emerged that the girls come from the dysfunctional background, where arguments and misunderstandings were in the daily order. They didn't feel support, emotional background, involvement. Moreover in the families the verbal and bodily aggression occurred. That is why there is no surprise that the girls didn't feel well in the families and they don't remember their childhood with pleasure.
The research indicates that in the anorexia nervosa treatment it is necessary to work with the family, if it is not possible, with the family themes at least. Family problems solution actually helps to achieve the therapeutical aims. I consider the Family System Test as suitable for the family relations diagnosis and for the appraisal of the effectivity of family therapies.
(Fulltext in Czech)
Keywords
research, therapy, mental anorexy, familyLiterature
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