Functions of disordered eating behaviors: a qualitative analysis of the lived experience and clinician perspectives

BACKGROUND: One method to improve treatment outcomes for individuals with eating disorders (EDs) may be understanding and targeting individuals’ motives for engaging in DE behaviors—or the functions of DE behaviors. The goal of this study was to investigate and categorize the various functions of DE behaviors from the perspectives of adults who engage in DE behaviors and clinicians who treat EDs. METHODS: Individuals who engage in DE behaviors (n = 16) and clinicians who treat EDs (n = 14) were interviewed, and a thematic analysis was conducted to determine key functions of DE behaviors. RESULTS: Four main functions of DE behaviors were identified by the authors: (1) alleviating shape, weight, and eating concerns; (2) regulating emotions; (3) regulating one’s self-concept; and (4) regulating interpersonal relationships/communicating with others. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in participant responses, particularly regarding the relevance of alleviating shape and weight concerns as an DE behavior function, highlight the importance of individualized conceptualizations of DE behavior functions for any given client. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40337-023-00854-4.