Griffiths, EJ; (2014) The effect of visuospatial, verbal and somatic tasks on the post-meal experience of hospitalised patients with eating disorders. Doctoral thesis (D.Clin.Psy), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

This thesis is presented in three parts; the literature review, empirical paper and critical appraisal. The literature review considers the effectiveness and acceptability of interventions aimed at carers of people with eating disorders. Included studies described a variety of approaches to educate, and provide skills and emotional support to carers, although were generally of a poor methodological quality. Overall, the interventions led to improved carer outcomes, were considered helpful and there was some limited evidence to suggest beneficial client outcomes. The empirical paper explores whether engaging in various tasks can help hospitalised patients with eating disorders to improve the experience of ‘feeling fat’ during the post-meal period. The tasks comprised of the game ‘Tetris’ (visuospatial), a general knowledge ‘Quiz’ (verbal) and translating ‘Braille’ (somatic), which were designed to reduce intrusive images, thoughts and bodily sensations. When compared to a control condition - ‘Sitting Quietly’, the tasks requiring activity were superior at improving negative affect and additional benefits were seen for all other indicators of the post-meal experience. The critical appraisal discusses the rationale behind the literature review and empirical paper. Some of the methodological decisions are reviewed, such as choosing the tasks and the use of an online programme to deliver the trials. Dilemmas that arose whilst conducting the research are explored, such as recruitment difficulties, with suggestions for how the research could have been approached differently. The appraisal concludes with personal reflections developed over the course of the research process.

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