The ontological dimensions of the anorexic body: A qualitative meta-synthesis study

Anorexia nervosa, a problem closely related to self and social roles, is part of the search for identity in which body control becomes central. This need for control is triggered by a state of bodily alienation in which the body appears unacceptable. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the state of alienation from the body in anorexia nervosa. In line with the purpose of the study, a qualitative meta-synthesis research was conducted and the purposeful sampling method was used in the selection of the studies to be examined. In this context, thirteen qualitative studies examining the experiences of women diagnosed with anorexia nervosa were re-examined using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis within the framework of Sartre's body ontology. After the analysis, three main themes were created: "body-for-self", "body-for-others", "body-for-self-for-others". Nine sub-themes emerged from the main themes: "basic pain", "feeling of lack", "primary emotions", "control", "avoidance", "identity", "personality", "secondary emotions", " request for approval and focus on others". The results of the research were discussed within the framework of the relevant literature and it was shown that anorexia nervosa is not only a bodily dysfunction or a cultural product.