The Role of Social Rank in the Experience of an Anorexic Voice

Name of author: Joanna Mitchell
Affiliation: University of Oxford, Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

Email address: joanna.mitchell@hmc.ox.ac.uk

Who can take part?

We are recruiting adults with typical or atypical anorexia nervosa You are eligible if you:
- Are aged 18+
- Are a UK resident
- Have a diagnosis of typical or atypical anorexia nervosa
- Do not have another primary mental health condition
You do NOT need to have experience of an anorexic ‘voice’ to take part in this research.

What is the purpose of the research?

Research has found that a notable proportion of people with anorexia nervosa hear an inner anorexic ‘voice’ which may comment on their appearance, weight, and shape, and may tell them to behave in certain ways such as eating less food or exercising excessively. This anorexic ‘voice’ is associated with negative outcomes, including more severe eating disorder symptoms. This research aims to explore whether the experience of an anorexic ‘voice’ is related to individuals perceived social rank (their beliefs about their position in terms of power, attractiveness and fit with people around them). If social rank helps us to understand the anorexic ‘voice’ experience, it could help to contribute to future interventions to support those experiencing an anorexic ‘voice’.

What does the study involve?

The study involves completing a set of online questionnaires that will take between 10 and 30 minutes to complete. This will include a range of questions including general demographic information, eating disorder symptoms, mood symptoms and several voice measures.
If you chose to provide your contact information, we will contact you one month after you complete the questionnaires to complete one further questionnaire, which will measure the stability of the anorexic ‘voice’ over time. This is entirely optional. If you do not chose to provide us with your contact information, your participation will be entirely anonymous.
There are no immediate benefits for your participation in this study, however it may benefit your or others future treatment as the findings of this study will be used to expand the knowledge base on the anorexic voice in anorexia nervosa, and could inform future interventions.

How can someone take part?

To take part, or to find out more information about the study, follow this link: https://psychiatryoxford.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cAvcGH18jt5DyTQ