The present study examined the effectiveness of a short-term, intensive, group process-retreat treatment model for bulimia. The multi-component, two-day treatment and follow-up booster session focused primarily on the interpersonal deficits associated with the disorder. A sample of 24 subjects who met the DSM III criteria for bulimia and who binged/purged at least one time per week participated in the study. Compared to a control group (N = 12), the women who received the group treatment (N = 12) evidenced significant improvements in self-esteem and severity of binge eating. The frequency of binge/purge episodes and dysfunctional eating attitudes were also significantly reduced. The results of this study suggest that the intensive group-process retreat model is an effective adjunct in the treatment of bulimia.

M.A. (Clinical Psychology) / The relatively rapid development of cognitive-behavioural approaches to various psychological conditions, has prompted clinicians and researchers to investigate the effects of this therapeutic modality on Bulimia Nervosa sufferers more closely. Research has evidenced the complexity and uniqueness of this disorder and much speculation still remains with regard to the etiology, description and treatment of Bulimia. Of the various treatments proposed, the cognitive~behavioural approaches have appeared to be most effective. Latest developments in this modality emphasize cognitive factors like content-specific cognitions and Early maladaptive schemas. These factors are important for psychotherapeutic purposes. The hypothesis formulated for this study, stated broadly that cognitive-behavioural approaches would result in equal treatment efficacy, whether process(schema) or content based interventions. This was investigated in the context of a pilot clinical trial with four selected subjects. Apart from measures for depression and cognitive processes associated with eating and self image in Bulimia, a depth-of processing task and a schema questionnaire were used in investigating the hypothesis. These measures, in addition to the CB interventions were applied to a small group of carefully selected Bulimics ,diagnosed acccording to the DSM III-R. The findings supported the basic hypothesis of the study, and demonstrated that cognitive-behavioural approaches of either content or process types are equally efficacious in the treatment of Bulimia Nervosa.

M.A. / In this project the researcher explores, analyses and interprets the narratives of seven women who have recovered from anorexia and/or bulimia. The investigation is conveyed from the sufferers' point of view, an approach suggestive of a qualitative inquiry, and is formulated within a qualitative theoretical and methodological framework. Linear approaches like the medical model, that endorse a pathological view of mental and emotional problems, are challenged for contributing to the notion of a defect model of mental illness. The dominant view that psychological and emotional problems like physical illnesses should be treated and eradicated, is contextualised within the framework of a defect model of mental illness. The researcher proposes that this position disempowers the recipients of therapy, can become a self fulfilling prophecy, and ultimately furthers the argument that emotionally disturbed people are sick. Concepts from systems theory such as homeostasis and dialectic thinking, are cited to illustrate the rationale behind the notion of a `competency' model of mental illness. The continuance of either anorexic or bulimic behavior is seen as playing a central role in the maintenance of an equilibrium (albeit a painful one) in the sufferer's personal and family system - thus serving a purpose. The researcher subsequently proposes that it can be beneficial to view an eating disorder as a milestone, where from much good can be derived.

Due to the fact that there has been a dramatic increase in the number of adolescents with unhealthy eating habits there is a growing recognition on the part of professionals, educators and parents for the development and implementation of an intervention programme for the facilitation of healthy eating habits. Relevant literature on eating behaviour indicated that low self-concept is associated with health compromising behaviours such as unhealthy eating habits. The nature of self-concept and eating habits was explained in order to determine important exogenous and endogenous factors as well as perspectives to use as a background for the development of a Psychoeducational intervention programme. Theoretical principles and practical applications of cognitive-behaviour therapy and hypnotherapy were analysed and used as a foundation for the development of the intervention programme. The researcher developed an Interactionism Model of Self-concept and Eating habits and a Psycho-educational programme involving cognitive-behaviour therapy and hypnotherapy to improve eating habits of adolescents. Valid and reliable measuring instruments were used in order to measure self-concept and eating habits. A pre-test post-test design was implemented to nine participants using the Adolescent Self-concept Scale (ASCS), Eating Habits Questionnaire for Adolescents (EHQA) developed by the researcher (2001) and Body Mass Index (BMI). Diagnostic measuring instruments also included the Emotions Profile Index (EPI), Draw A Person (DAP), Sentence Completion, Dietary Record and interview. Results from the empirical study indicated that adolescents with low self-concept and unhealthy eating habits responded positively to the Psycho-educational programme involving cognitive-behaviour and hypnotherapy. Specifically, there was a significant increase in selfconcept and a satisfactory improvement in eating habits. Recommendations for psychotherapy practice, educators and parents were made, based on the current research results. The contribution of the study lies in the fact that a hands-on practical implementation of the Psycho-educational programme was developed to facilitate the improvement of eating habits and it further contributes to the psychological well-being and healthy life-style of adolescents having positive implications for society. / Educational Studies / D.Ed. (Psychology of Education)

Due to the fact that there has been a dramatic increase in the number of adolescents with unhealthy eating habits there is a growing recognition on the part of professionals, educators and parents for the development and implementation of an intervention programme for the facilitation of healthy eating habits. Relevant literature on eating behaviour indicated that low self-concept is associated with health compromising behaviours such as unhealthy eating habits. The nature of self-concept and eating habits was explained in order to determine important exogenous and endogenous factors as well as perspectives to use as a background for the development of a Psychoeducational intervention programme. Theoretical principles and practical applications of cognitive-behaviour therapy and hypnotherapy were analysed and used as a foundation for the development of the intervention programme. The researcher developed an Interactionism Model of Self-concept and Eating habits and a Psycho-educational programme involving cognitive-behaviour therapy and hypnotherapy to improve eating habits of adolescents. Valid and reliable measuring instruments were used in order to measure self-concept and eating habits. A pre-test post-test design was implemented to nine participants using the Adolescent Self-concept Scale (ASCS), Eating Habits Questionnaire for Adolescents (EHQA) developed by the researcher (2001) and Body Mass Index (BMI). Diagnostic measuring instruments also included the Emotions Profile Index (EPI), Draw A Person (DAP), Sentence Completion, Dietary Record and interview. Results from the empirical study indicated that adolescents with low self-concept and unhealthy eating habits responded positively to the Psycho-educational programme involving cognitive-behaviour and hypnotherapy. Specifically, there was a significant increase in selfconcept and a satisfactory improvement in eating habits. Recommendations for psychotherapy practice, educators and parents were made, based on the current research results. The contribution of the study lies in the fact that a hands-on practical implementation of the Psycho-educational programme was developed to facilitate the improvement of eating habits and it further contributes to the psychological well-being and healthy life-style of adolescents having positive implications for society. / Educational Studies / D.Ed. (Psychology of Education)

To gain a better understanding of those struggling with severe eating disorders (anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa), the inner life-world and subjective experiences of therapy clients were explored within the South African context. This was an empirical qualitative study. Specifically, the study’s focus was on the psychological construct of perfectionism as experienced during the respondents’ treatment resistant eating disorders. The two objectives of the research were to describe and explain perfectionism, which served to increase an overall improved understanding of perfectionism. The study’s methodology encompassed a combination of phenomenological- and grounded theory methodology, exploring the narratives of six female candidates that were undergoing individual therapy for their eating disorders. These candidates were considered to have a treatment resistant eating disorder, because they had been struggling with this diagnosis for longer than a decade, and/or had previously received multiple treatment interventions without recovering. The therapy sessions were recorded via digital audio recordings, and used in the data analysis process. The discourses pertaining to the study’s focus were transcribed and analysed using phenomenological- and grounded theory methods. The phenomenological analysis produced individual descriptions of the participants’ experiences of their perfectionism, as well as a general description for perfectionism. The grounded theory analysis produced an emerging theory in the form of a cognitive schema. This schema was named The Perfectionistic Eating Disorder Self-schema (PEDSS), and explains the inner psychological process of perfectionism within a treatment resistant eating disorder client. The results of this study, in particular the PEDSS, has implications for those trying to understand, assist, and treat those who suffer from treatment resistant eating disorders, as well as helping those who struggle with perfectionism to understand their own problem more. / Psychology / D. Phil. (Psychology)