Abstract
A problematic issue in studying anorexia nervosa (AN) has been the absence of a qualitative study that probes the deep meanings of food refusal. We attempt to close this gap by studying the family meanings of food refusal by a single case study of a family in Hong Kong with an AN daughter. Eight videotapes of family therapy sessions, each lasting 90 minutes, were intensively reviewed, transcribed verbatim, and content analyzed. Two family themes of food refusal were discerned: the AN daughter disciplined her body and punished her family. The conclusions imply a need to revisit the Chinese gender role expectation in understanding AN patients and their families.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 49-58 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Health Care for Woman International |
| Volume | 23 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2002 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Health Professions