Personality Style of Therapists in Ireland

The aim of this research is to understand how therapists’ theoretical approaches, cultural backgrounds, and personal characteristics influence their professional practice. By completing a short sociodemographic survey and the Personal Style Questionnaire (PST-Q), it will…

Development of the Adolescent Sibling Experience of Eating Disorders Scale (ASEEDS)

Background, aims and title of the study: We are piloting a new scale, which measure siblings' experiences of having a brother or sister with an eating disorder.  The aim of this study is to fill…

What’s on your Plate? The Impact of Major Life Events and Locus of Control on Eating Habits

About this study This research project aims to identify a relationship between locus of control, major life events, and eating habits (meal skipping, meal planning, food choices, emotional eating, etc.). The hypotheses are that those…

The Relationship between Menopause and Disordered Eating Survey

Laura Brosnan, Doctoral Student in Clinical Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, the University of Edinburgh, is researching the relationship between menopause and disordered eating. Find out more here. This study has received ethics…

Investigating Cognitive Factors Related to Eating Disorders *Closed*

  As of 04/08/24, this study is closed. Background: You are invited to take part in this research investigating the role of cognitive flexibility, perfectionism and rumination in eating disorders and disordered eating behaviours. Please…

Study on eating and core beliefs

Background Amaani Hatoum is a Doctoral Researcher currently completing a PhD thesis at the University of Sydney, under the supervision of Associate Professor Maree Abbott, Dr Amy Burton and Professor Stephen Touyz. Current study We…

Assessing the Influence of Caregiver Factors on Family-Based Treatment (FBT) for Child and Adolescent Eating Disorders

Background: This study evaluates a new measure of the strengths and challenges caregivers experience during treatment for their child/adolescent’s eating disorder. A systematic review and Delphi study were conducted to develop the measure, designed to…

Exploring Predictors of Orthorexia in Exercisers: Perfectionism, Body Image, Social Media and Vulnerability to Disease *Now closed*

Note: As of July 2024, this study is closed. Postgraduate researcher Robyn Jones is currently completing research investigating perfectionism, body image disturbance, social media addiction and perceived vulnerability to disease as potential predictors of orthorexia…

An Inner View of the Outer Self: An Investigation into the Relationship between Body Image and Attitudes towards Aesthetic Procedures in Irish Adults across the Lifespan

Background: This research is about the relationship between different aspects of body image and attitudes towards aesthetic procedures among adults in Ireland. The specific aspects of body image that will be looked at include: body functionality…

A mixed methods evaluation of caregivers’ experiences in caring for a young person with an eating disorder

Carers are invited to participate in a study being conducted by researchers at Swinburne University in partnership with Eating Disorders Families Australia. This study aims to explore the impact of caring for a young person…

Development of the Adolescent Sibling Experience of Eating Disorders Scale (ASEEDS)

Researchers are currently recruiting siblings aged 11+ who have a brother or sister with an eating disorder (any sub-type) to take part in 2 interviews,  to create a novel questionnaire to measure siblings' experiences of…

Exploring the relationships between eating disorders, autism, alexithymia and interoception

Researchers at University College London are carrying out a study titled 'Exploring the relationships between eating disorders, autism, alexithymia and interoception' The researchers are seeking participants with a clinical diagnosis of any eating disorder to take…

An exploration of clinicians’ experience of working online with young people and their families using the Maudsley Family-Based Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa (FBT).

Researcher at University of Roehampton, London, Angela Matwasa, is carrying out a study titled 'An exploration of clinicians’ experience of working online with young people and their families using the Maudsley Family-Based Treatment for Anorexia…

An exploration of Orthorexia Nervosa tendencies in young adults in Ireland

Researcher at University College Dublin, Shakira Browne, is carrying out a study titled 'An exploration of Orthorexia Nervosa tendencies in young adults in Ireland'. The study aims to further inform the current understanding regarding whether…

Exploring Body Image and Disordered Eating in Primary School Teachers: The Role of Body Talk, with Self-Objectification as a Mediator

MSc researcher at Northumbria University Newcastle, Siobhan Hennelly, is carrying out a study titled 'Exploring Body Image and Disordered Eating in Primary School Teachers: The Role of Body Talk, with Self-Objectification as a Mediator'. If…

An exploration of the lived experiences of individuals with ADHD who have recovered from an eating disorder.

Researcher at Trinity College Dublin, Jill Jenkinson, is carrying out a study titled 'An exploration of the lived experiences of individuals with ADHD who have recovered from an eating disorder.' The research will involve a…

Study: Eating Disorder Symptomatology in Orthorexia: A Qualitative Exploration *Now closed*

March 2024 update: This study is now closed. This study has received approval from the Research and Ethics Committee of PCI College. Researcher's contact details: Lynn McGovern lmcgover@tcd.ie

Imagining the body : Do our beliefs about our appearance affect how we imagine movement?

Researcher, Akansha Naraindas is recruiting participants for their PhD research titled 'Imagining the body : Do our beliefs about our appearance affect how we imagine movement?' Akansha invites women aged 18-50 years living and residing…

TikTok Youth Advisory Group Recruitment

PhD researcher, Orla McGovern (School of Psychology in Dublin City University), is exploring ways in which TikTok can be optimized as a platform to support youth mental health help-seeking. As part of this project, Orla…

Surveying Expert Groups to Progress Translational Research for Eating Disorders

This study has received ethics approval from Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee.

Adult eating disorders: The counsellor’s experience

Eimear Dilleen is study for a BSc (Hons) in Counselling and Psychotherapy and is conducting research about counsellors' experiences of working with adults with eating disorders. Format: This research uses an interview format via Zoom/Teams.…

The Lived Experience of Binge Eating Disorder: An Exploration of Diagnosis and Therapeutic Treatment

This study has received approval from the Research and Ethics Committee of PCI College. Researcher's contact details: Lynn McGovern lmcgover@tcd.ie

Efficacy and safety of COMP360 psilocybin therapy in anorexia nervosa: a proof-of-concept study

Background Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a disabling disorder presenting with several psychiatric and physical comorbidities. Incidence rates vary from 4.2–12.6 per 100,000 person-years for females to 1 per 100,000 person-years for males. AN often develops…

Impact of the CAMHS Kerry Review and Maskey Report on caregiver and staff views of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

Professor Fiona McNicholas (Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist) and Dr Laura Bond (Senior Registrar in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry), are conducting a research study to explore caregiver’s and clinician’s views on CAMHS services in Ireland…

New international eating disorders study seeking advocates and experts

A team of researchers at University of Melbourne and Mental Health First Aid are conducting a new study to update the mental health first aid guidelines for eating disorders. These guidelines provide safe and effective…

Research on the Eating Disorder Voice – looking for Psychotherapists working with Eating Disorders.

Researcher Marieke Coogan (Dublin Business School), is conducting research on the eating disorder voice and its potential use in the treatment of eating disorders.  Marieke is looking for psychotherapists who have experience working with eating…

Online Study: Anxiety, fear and disgust conditioning in people with eating disorders

Researcher Sevgi Bektaş (Kings College London), is recruiting participants for an online study which focuses on anxiety, fear and disgust conditioning in people with eating disorders. See the information sheet below: [embeddoc url="https://www.bodywhys.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/238055_Information-Sheet_ForAdults-1.pdf" information sheet="all"…

Experiences of Emotional Eating in Adults: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Researcher Katie Duffy (Clinical Psychology at University College Dublin), is recruiting participants for a study which focuses on the concept of emotional eating in an adult population who do not have a clinically diagnosed eating…

International survey to better understand lived experience of individuals with an eating disorder who are on prescription medication and/or other drugs for recreational/ and or therapeutic purposes

Researcher, Sarah-Catherine Rodan, at the University of Sydney is currently coordinating two novel clinical trials to improve treatments for anorexia nervosa. Part of this research aims to better understand the lived experience of individuals with…

A mixed gender study on the experiences of those with eating disorders (NOW CLOSED)

Msc Conversion in Psychology researcher Hayley Halpin is seeking to hear from adult men and women with experience of eating disorders. Contact details: Hayley Halpin, hayleyhalpin98@gmail.com Research supervisor: Dr. Victoria Senior, VictoriaSenior@bpp.com Participant information sheet…

Transgenerational trauma in eating disorders

Are you 18 years or older? Have you received a formal diagnosis of an eating disorder? Are you aware of any transgenerational trauma in your family? Jennifer Barry is Trainee Clinical Psychologist in Trinity College…

The impact of COVID-19 public health restrictions on individuals with eating disorders: A qualitative approach

Researcher Niamh Marron from the University of Limerick is examining how lockdowns and public health restrictions may have negatively or positively impacted on individuals’ eating disorder recovery process. This study has received ethics clearance from…

Investigating the impact of causal attributions on anorexia nervosa stigma in Ireland

Rebecca Forde is conducting research which focuses on the Irish public's perceptions of an individual with anorexia nervosa and she is investigating stigma in the Irish population regarding this eating disorder. The aim of this…

Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall, That Is Not What I Look Like at All: Exploring Self-Perception

Researcher Jade Portingale from the University of Melbourne  is completing a research project titled 'Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall, That Is Not What I Look Like at All: Exploring Self-Perception'. The aim of this research project…

An Investigation of the Relationship between the Aetiology and Treatment of Eating Disorders: do the possible causes of eating disorders affect how Counsellors choose to approach treatment with clients?

Researcher Morgan McSherry from Ulster University is completing a research project titled 'An Investigation of the Relationship between the Aetiology and Treatment of Eating Disorders: do the possible causes of eating disorders affect how Counsellors…

Factors Associated with the Secrecy of Adolescent Eating Disorders: Mental Health Professionals’ Perspective

Researcher Aiste Sabaliauskaite  from DCU School of Psychology is completing a research project titled 'Factors Associated with the Secrecy of Adolescent Eating Disorders: Mental Health Professionals' Perspective'. This research project aims to investigate the effects…

A Transdiagnostic Approach to Orthorexic Behaviours

Researcher Hannah Rudden from Trinity College Dublin is completing a research project 'A Transdiagnostic Approach to Orthorexic Behaviours' - exploring relationships between eating attitudes, behaviours and body image. You can reach Hannah on: ruddenh@tcd.ie, if…

Professional Perspectives on Developing Approaches to Early Identification of Eating Disorders

Researcher Holly Browne from Dublin City University is completing a research project exploring professional perspectives on early identification of eating disorders. You can reach Holly on: holly.browne3@mail.dcu.ie, if you are interested in taking part. This…

The Body Image and Self Surveillance Study

Researcher, Akansha Naraindas, from University College Dublin is completing a research project to investigate body based mental imagery and its relationship to interoception from adolescence to late adulthood. You can get in touch with Akansha…

Attitudes, awareness and perceptions of the public around Orthorexia Nervosa.

Researcher Helena O' Dwyer  from Institute of Technology Sligo is completing a research project to explore the attitudes, awareness and perceptions of the general public around the eating disorder Orthorexia Nervosa. You can get in…

The Involvement of Carers in Eating Disorders

Researcher Jenny Zinser from the University of Surrey is completing a research project to better understand patterns of family responses to eating disorders. You can get in touch with Jenny on: j.zinser@surrey.ac.uk or via Facebook.…

Family Recovery from Eating Disorders

Researcher Jade Streete from Nottingham Trent University wants to hear from family members of adults who are living with and/or in recovery from an eating disorder. Click here to access the research survey.

Exploring professional perspectives on the impact of Covid-19 on individuals with eating disorders

To contact Sarah Doherty, please email 20129394@studentmail.ul.ie

Factors that facilitate or prevent fathers from engaging in the treatment process of a child or adolescent with a clinically diagnosed eating disorder

Information sheet - PDF Consent form document Aim: This study aims to explore the experiences of fathers who have engaged or are currently engaged in the treatment process of a child or adolescent with a…

Lived Experience of Diagnostic Shifts in Adult Mental Health

This study has received ethics clearance from UCD.  

An Exploration of Psychotherapists’ Experience in the Treatment of Men with Eating Disorders

Do you work with male clients who have an Eating Disorder? If you have experience in this area, you are being invited to take part in a research study which will explore your unique opinion…

Adjusting to COVID-19: Predictive and protective factors (Phase 2)

Can you help? Researchers from Dublin City University are working on a project called "Adjusting to COVID-19: Predictive and protective factors (Phase 2)". This study has received ethics approval from Dublin City University Research Ethics…

ENTWINE Survey on Family caregiving

Background, aims and title of the study ENTWINE iCohort is an intensive longitudinal cohort study designed to collect data on the various determinants and outcomes of willingness and motivations to provide care in nine countries…

Exploring How Social Groups Shape Eating Disorder Recovery

  My name is Skye and I’m a third year Psychology student at Nottingham Trent University and my supervisor for this research project is Dr Niamh McNamara. For my project I would really like to…

Your Youth Health Project – Exploring the wellbeing of young people during the COVID-19 outbreak

Researchers in UCD need your help. The University College Dublin School of Psychology is collaborating with the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Children’s and Young Peoples’ Services Committee (CYPSC) and Healthy Ireland. We are running an online anonymous…

An Exploration of the Eating Disorder Voice in Bulimia Nervosa

18/05/20 - Now closed - Researcher Terri Coffey is grateful for all responses to this project.

Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions on People with Eating Disorders

*June 2020 - Now closed* Thank you for your assistance with this study.  

Being a Minority: Men’s Experiences of Having an Eating Disorder

Fathers’ experiences of parenting a child/adolescent with an eating disorder

The patterns, motives and effects of social media on body image in youths

Study link This research study, entitled "The patterns, motives and effects of social media on body image in youths" aims to investigate the effects of social media use on body image perceptions. What is the…

Exploring your recovery from Anorexia Nervosa

The experience of living with an Anorexic Voice – An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis study

Researcher and trainee counselling psychologist Angela Mullins anm1598@my.londonmet.ac.uk is looking for participants with experience of anorexia and the eating disorder voice. The format is a 60-90 minute interview. This study has ethical approval from London…

Reflection on Eating Disorder Experience in Ireland: Stage 2 *Now Closed*

As of 31/10/19, this study is now closed. Thank you to all those who participated. Call for Participants What is the research about? Reflections study stage 2 poster PDF Researchers at Nottingham Trent University are…

Exploring the experiences of those living with longstanding anorexia nervosa *Now closed*

As of 18/11/19 this study is now closed - thanks to those who took part. What is the research about? Bríd Blackburn bblackbu@tcd.ie is studying a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in the School of Psychology,…

Fathers’ experiences of their sons’ eating disorder

Synopsis This study aims to explore fathers’ experiences of their sons’ eating disorders. What is the purpose of the research? This research forms the basis of a counselling psychology doctorate thesis.  There is currently a…

Understanding healthy eating behaviours that become maladaptive in physically active females with a review of orthorexia and its current diagnostic criteria.

Jade Brady is a student completing a Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy with the Irish College of Humanities and Applied Sciences. Her dissertation focuses on orthorexia. Contact details Email: jade.brady36@mail.dcu.ie Phone: 0858229802 Research supervisor: Michelle Stone Michelle.stone@ichas.ie…

Relationship between compassion and predictors of depression in parents of people with an eating disorder

Who is carrying out this research? Pam Fox, Trainee clinical psychologist, Canterbury Christ Church University. What is the purpose of this research? The purpose of this research is to explore the well being of parents of…

Reflection on Eating Disorder Experience: Stage 1 (now closed)

Edit: Update 21/01/2019 - This study is now winding down. Another part will be launched in the Spring. We'll keep you posted. Call for Participants What is the research about? Researchers at Nottingham Trent University…

Survey on Patient and Caregivers Perceptions of Healthcare Encounters

Researchers are recruiting participants for a research project that will examine the experience of medical care from the perspectives of individuals with eating disorders and their caregivers. This study has ethical approval from the University…

An exploration of the utilisation of online mental health self-help programmes

‘Online mental health self-help programmes’ are website and app-based self-help programmes offered as a way to improve mental well-being and cope with mental health problems. This research explores how online mental health self-help programmes are…

Social group memberships throughout recovery from disordered eating.

Are you concerned about your eating behaviours and thoughts? Are you aged 18 or above? Would you like to take part in research? If the answer to these questions is yes, then please take the…

The meaning of recovery, remission and relapse definitions and their use in therapy for eating disorder patients and therapists

Update: July 30th - **Study now closed** Recovery, relapse and remission do not have fixed or recognised definitions, which limits their use in research but can also cause confusion or distress for individuals accessing or…

The Phenomenological Inquiry of Underlying Feelings in Eating Disorders

This research aims to understand the past painful, underlying emotional experiences of shame and pride in individuals recovered from an eating disorder (restricting type), from when they were experiencing their eating disorder. The study aims…

A Survey of Online Help-Seeking in Young Adults

This research is being conducted by Claudette Pretorius, a doctoral candidate in School of Computer Science at the University College of Dublin under the supervision of Dr. David Coyle. This research is part of the…

Men’s Experiences of Seeking Help for Disordered Eating

The purpose of this study is to explore men’s experiences of seeking help for eating disorders. The specific aims and objectives of the study are; to look at the experience of men when seeking help for an…

The Role of Online Group Identity in Eating Disorder Recovery

**Update March 14th 2018 - Study now closed** What is this study about? This research project is looking into how people use different online eating disorder related support groups and their thoughts and feelings towards…

Study: The role of social media in self-harm behaviours among Irish adolescents and young adults

Study: The role of social media in self-harm behaviours among Irish adolescents and young adults Michelle Teo is a student in the Doctorate in Counselling Psychology at Trinity College Dublin conducting a qualitative study for…

Closing the treatment gap: A longitudinal study of treatment attitudes, media, and stigma among individuals with diagnosed or suspected eating disorders

Do you currently have an eating disorder? Do you think you might have an eating disorder? Complete this three-part online survey and we will donate $10 AUD to an eating disorder charity on your behalf…

Ecological Momentary Assessment of Eating Disorder Behaviours

This study will examine whether abrupt shifts of scheme modes can be linked to eating disorder behaviors, by using an "in the moment" real-time reporting system known as "ecological momentary assessment" (EMA). Who can take…

The Experience of Orthorexia from the Perspective of Recovered Orthorexics

Orthorexia is a newly proposed eating disorder that involves obsession with a “clean” or “pure” diet. Currently, orthorexia is not listed as an official eating disorder, but many clinicians are seeing it in their offices.…

Exploring Personal Experiences of Being Diagnosed with an Eating Disorder

Jennifer Barry, MSc Applied Psychology student in Trinity College Dublin, is conducting a qualitative study to explore the impact of an eating disorder diagnosis on one's sense of self. Are you aged 18 or over?…

Mothers’ experiences of parenting an adolescent with anorexia nervosa

Róisín O’Dwyer is an MSc in Applied Psychology student completing a dissertation on eating disorders. The aim of this research is to explore the individual experience of mothers taking care of a teenager with anorexia…

Consumer Perspectives Research Study

Update March 2016: Study Closed Do you work in an Inpatient Paediatric Eating Disorder Program? Have you previously spent time as an inpatient in a Paediatric Eating Disorder unit? Are you the carer of a…

An Investigation into the Relationship Between Intolerance of Uncertainty and Threat in Everyday Life

*Now Closed* Trainee Clinical Psychologist Sara Milne is conducting research into the concept of Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU). IU is basically a feeling of discomfort when faced with situations in which the outcome is unknown.…

Understanding the stigma of eating disorders

Stephanie McAlinden, a PhD student in Queen’s University Belfast, is conducting a research project looking at the type of stigma and discrimination that people with eating disorders face as a result of their illness. This…

How should we talk about eating disorders in the community? An expert consensus study.

Do you have expertise (including as an advocate with lived experience) in the field of eating disorders? Are you aged 18 or over? If you fit these criteria, you may be eligible to participate in…

Psychological Factors Associated with Eating

Call for participants Sarah-Jane Elliffe, Doctoral Student in Clinical Psychology, TCD is conducting a research study into the psychological factors associated with eating behaviours and attitudes in men and women aged 18+. The aim of…

Heart Rate Variability, Mood and Eating Behaviours; A Multi Case Study Approach

Are you female, between the ages of 18 and 30 and living in Cork City? Would you like to learn about your eating behaviours? We are looking for women who engage in different eating behaviours…

Call for participants: The media and body image

Grace Black is a student researcher studying Social Care Institute of Technology Blanchardstown. Her research project examines the issue of the media and body image. To learn more and to access the study, please click…

Call for Participants: Mental Health and Wellbeing in Families

Third year psychology students from Trinity College Dublin are conducting a study titled: Mental Health and Wellbeing in Families: Experiences, Needs and Support Interviews with Support Service The purpose of this study is to investigate…

Call for Participants: Personal Experiences and Raising Awareness

Film student, Jon Barton, is hoping to raise awareness of eating disorders. Having had personal experience of an eating disorder, Jon understands the fear of speaking out and the need for confidentiality. There is no…

Research: Mindful Eating

This study is interested in seeing if there is a link between our mood, relationships, how we see our body, and eating habits. I would really appreciate if you would complete this survey which will…

Research Survey: Emotions and Eating Behaviours

Survey; Emotions and Eating Behaviours Would you like to take part in a survey which aims to explore relationships between emotions and eating behaviours? The purpose of the study is to gain information that might…

Research: Post-traumatic stress Disorder and Eating Disorders

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following inpatient admission for eating disorders (ED). Researcher: Melissa Snaith, Doctoral Student in Clinical Psychology. Email: melissa.snaith@hmc.ox.ac.uk Purpose of the study This study will investigate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in women…

Research: Investigating disordered eating

Una Foye from the University of Ulster is exploring the risk factors associated with the development of disordered eating and dieting behaviours. As part of a PhD study in the School of Communication, she is currently…

Research: Living with an eating disorder in Ireland

Establishing a holistic account of what life is like for adolescents affected by eating disorders in Ireland. We are a team of researchers from Saint John of God Hospitaller Services and University College Dublin. We…

Research study: Are you a parent?

Are you a parent? Have you had experience with support services for the treatment of your child’s eating disorder? Researchers from DCU's School of Health and Human Performance are conducting a study to explore people’s…

Call for volunteers for an online program for bulimia and binge eating disorder

Dublin City University (Ireland) and The Turning Institute are seeking volunteers with Bulimia or Binge Eating Disorder to participate in a study commencing in April 2013. Participants (male or female) are invited to enrol free…

Research on the helpful aspects of therapy for those experiencing eating disorders

Background: Tríona McInerney is a final year counselling psychology trainee at the University of Strathclyde/Glasgow Caledonian University. She is conducting doctoral research on what clients who sought psychological therapy to help with their experiences of…

Research Opportunity: The experience of living with and supporting a person with an eating disorder

An exploration of the experience of living with and supporting a person with an eating disorder: A partner’s perspective My name is Patricia O’Connor. I am a PhD student at the School of Nursing and…