Abstract

Background Eating disorder recovery can be complex, with high relapse rates despite the availability of various therapeutic approaches. Recent research suggests body compassion may play a protective role in recovery, but studies remain limited. This study aims to explore adults' experiences of body compassion in their eating disorder recovery journey.Methods Ten adults self-identified as recovered or ‘in recovery’ from anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and/or binge eating disorder, and who had received therapeutic support, participated in online semi-structured interviews. Following ethical approval, data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.Analysis Participants described body compassion’s development as a dynamic process captured through five interrelated themes: Foundation, Confusion, Growth, Reconnection, and Resistance. Foundation highlights body compassion’s central role in sustaining recovery. Confusion reflects its initially elusive nature. Growth covers factors and practices supporting its development. Reconnection describes a new relationship with the body through caring actions. Resistance represents a shift toward challenging internalized ideals and societal pressures. These themes inform a tentative proposed model outlining body compassion’s role and progression in recovery.Conclusion Participants described body compassion as a gradual process shaped by internal and external factors. Compassion-focused and trauma-informed approaches were central. Connection to personal values and receiving compassion supported development, facilitating bodily reconnection, fostering acceptance and appreciation, ultimately leading to body neutrality. As self-perception shifted, participants increasingly resisted societal influences. Body compassion emerged as a transformative element in recovery. These findings highlight the need for person-centred treatment models viewing the body as a site of healing, not just symptom management. Clinicians should integrate clear definitions and targeted body compassion practices while addressing broader sociocultural influences, including media. Despite limitations such as sample heterogeneity, retrospective design and the exclusion of individuals in the earlier stages of eating disorder recovery, this study provides essential groundwork for future research. Further studies should explore body compassion’s role across diverse populations and recovery factors and validate the proposed model. Ultimately, this research frames body compassion as a dynamic, reparative force supporting a more holistic, inclusive, and compassionate approach to eating disorder recovery.

Awarding Institution(s)

University of Plymouth

Keywords

Eating Disorders, Recovery, Body Compassion

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Date

2025

Embargo Period

2026-09-04

Deposit Date

September 2025

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

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