Abstract
Background: Eating difficulties manifest at differing levels of severity. As such, they may be considered dimensional rather than categorical. Research into eating difficulties is therefore legitimately undertaken in both diagnosed and undiagnosed individuals experiencing these difficulties. The topic of disclosure by such individuals has been of importance for clinicians and researchers. The aim of the present study was to explore factors considered likely to influence the decision to disclose during psychological therapy by people who experience eating difficulties. Method: Participants were recruited through the eating disorder charity Beat. Thirty-seven participants took part in the study and completed a Q-sort which required them to place 47 statements onto a grid reflecting what would make them more or less likely to disclose in therapy. PQ method was utilised to analyse the data. Findings: Three factors were extracted from the data, with thirty- four Q sorts loading onto one of the factors significantly. One of the factors deemed elements connected to the eating disorder as the most influential in their decision of whether to disclose. Another considered factors connected to the therapeutic relationship as the most influential and the last one considered readiness and sense of security with the therapist as the most influential. Conclusions: The findings of the study suggest that there are different factors that influence the decision for an individual experiencing eating difficulties to disclose in therapy. Future research could investigate developing a measure to assess this with individuals for it then to be implemented into clinical practice.