Abstract
Background: Eating disorders are highly prevalent within the adolescent population with poor recovery rates if treatment is not accessed soon after onset. Self-disclosure is an important issue for clinicians and researchers given the impact it has on the effectiveness of treatment. The aim of the present study was to investigate factors that were considered likely to impact adolescent’s decision to self-disclose during psychological therapy for eating difficulties. Method: Participants were recruited through a CAMHS eating disorder service. Twenty-Eight participants took part in the study and completed the Q-sort task, which asked them to rank 47 statements relative to one another onto a grid with what was more likely influence their decision to disclose at one end and what was less likely influence their decision to disclose at the other end. Ken-Q Analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings: Three factors were extracted from the data. Factor 1 was a bipolar factor with seven significant positively loading, and five significant negatively loading Q-sorts. Those who negatively loaded onto the factor held an inverted view. Elements connected with therapist self-disclosure were important in this factor. The second factor considered elements of the eating disorder identity and readiness to change as influencing the decision to disclose. And the last factor suggested that the quality of the therapeutic relationship and readiness to change were the most influential elements influencing the decision to disclose. Conclusions: The findings of the study suggest that no united viewpoint is held on what influences the decision to disclose by those experiencing eating difficulties. Clinicians should therefore ensure they explore with clients what might influence their decision to disclose as knowing this would enhance the effectiveness of treatment.