The peer culture of adolescent girls with Anorexia Nervosa

Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) often require hospitalisation due to the potentially life threatening nature of the malnutrition associated with the disease. As an inpatient adolescents with AN are in contact with other adolescents with AN. The relationships and peer group culture that forms in this context have potential benefits and risks involved, yet there is no literature available that aids the clinicians understanding of the inpatient peer culture. This qualitative study aims to understand and describe the peer culture of adolescent inpatients with AN, to identify and understand risk factors and protective factors that may mediate an individual s experience of the inpatient peer culture and discuss the findings in relation to service delivery.

Autorentext

Lisa Ferraro is a senior Occupational Therapist who has worked with the Eating Disorders Program at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Western Australia for 13 years. Lisa works with children and adolescents with eating disorders and their families.