‘Not only bad things happened in the COVID-19 lockdown’: Lived experience of individuals with eating disorders symptoms

Abstract

The high impact of COVID-19 pandemic on individuals’ well-being was especially detrimental to those suffering from an eating disorder (ED). The aim of the present study was to examine the perceived adverse and beneficial effects of lockdown on people with ED symptoms from a qualitative approach. The sample was made of 129 adults (Mage = 33.63; SDage = 10.95; 78.3% women) with symptoms compatible with ED according to DSM-5-TR. Participants completed an online survey containing two open-ended questions inquiring about their lived experience regarding perceived negative and positive effects of the pandemic quarantine. Data were analyzed based on a content analysis using Atlas.ti software. In terms of negative effects, the following topics emerged: increased anxiety and perceived stress, loneliness perception, worsening symptoms and thoughts associated with ED, increased attention to body image, and detection of worse eating habits. Among the positive effects, the key themes were the ED recognition, linked to the awareness of the need to start therapy, the reduction of binge eating episodes, an increased self-esteem, a sense of protection and well-being, and improved health and eating behavior. Social isolation and the possibility to cover up ED symptomatology were also mentioned as positive features of the confinement. From a clinical viewpoint, examining positive perception on stressful events provides practitioners with therapeutic tools for treating individuals with ED based on a client-centered approach.