Attachment styles and changes among women members of overeaters anonymous who have recovered from binge-eating disorder

Pnina Hertz, Moshe Addad, Natti Ronel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

In Overeaters Anonymous (OA), the 12-step self-help program for compulsive overeaters, binge eating is regarded as a physical, spiritual, and emotional disorder. Consequently, the program proposes recovery through the adoption of a lifestyle that leads to physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being. A qualitative phenomenological study that focused on the emotional recovery of OA members was conducted. Personal narratives were obtained through semistructured in-depth interviews. It was found that the tools used for spiritual and emotional work at OA are essential to recovery. Furthermore, the experience of secure attachment is likely to occur within OA when safe ground is provided and positive attachment figures are accessible. These safe ground and positive attachment figures facilitate a corrective emotional experience that compensates for a childhood recollected in terms of rejection and time spent with a caregiver who lacked the emotional availability required for the creation of a secure attachment. Theoretical, clinical, and future research implications are discussed. 2012 National Association of Social Workers2012

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)110-122
Number of pages13
JournalHealth and Social Work
Volume37
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2012

Keywords

  • Attachment
  • Emotional recovery
  • Overeaters Anonymous
  • Spirituality

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