The thesis has been prepared in paper based format and includes three papers: paper 1 is a literature review, paper 2 is an empirical study and paper 3 is a critical reflection. Paper 1 has been prepared for submission to Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy and systematically reviews the qualitative literature pertaining to the process of recovery from anorexia nervosa (AN). A metasynthesis of 12 studies was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) principles. The metasynthesis identified factors that helped and factors that hindered recovery from AN, in addition to offering an interpretation of how these factors underpin the process of recovery. The strengths and limitations of the review are discussed, as are the implications of the findings for clinical practice. Paper 2 has been prepared for submission to the British Journal of Clinical Psychology and is a qualitative exploration of the nature of the relationship between the self and the eating disorder in individuals with a lifetime history of AN. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 women and the interview transcripts analysed using constructivist grounded theory methodology. The results suggested that the self is shared with AN and separating the self from AN has an important role to play in recovery from the disorder. A theoretical framework explaining the nature of the relationship between the self and AN is presented and discussed. The strengths and limitations of the study are considered, as are the implications of the findings on the content of therapeutic interventions. Paper 3 is not intended for publication and is a critical reflection of the research process as a whole. It evaluates the strengths and limitations of both paper 1 and paper 2, in addition to offering a critical review of completing a qualitative research project. Paper 3 also discusses issues surrounding reflexivity, implications of the research for clinical practice/working as a clinical psychologist and draws overall conclusions.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a mental illnes manifesting itselg, among other signs, with impaired body schema and rejection of food. Principal focus of the thesis was to assess the discrimination treshold, ability to evaluate sensory perception and body self-concept in adolescent female patients hospitalised with anorexia nervosa. Our goal was to clarify and better understand the still not adequately described neurophysiological aspects of anorexia nervosa. The results were compared to control group; both groups comprised 18 girls, the average age of observed group being 14,7 ± 0,71 years and average age of control group being 15,3 ±0,71 years. Two-point discrimination was examined in three areas - arm, between shoulder blades and belly - with modified caliper. The Petrie test was used in sensory perception testing, while body self-concept was measured with BAT questionare. The examinations were performed in standardised conditions during similar day times. We found significant difference in two-point discrimination in the area between the shoulder blades with significance level α = 5 % and p-value p = 0,0001. A statistically significant difference was also observed in body self-concept with significance level α = 5 % and p-value p = 0,017. Thus we conclude that patients suffering from anorexia nervosa...