The metaphorical prison : nurses, adolescents with anorexia nervosa and the formation of therapeutic relationships within a 'behaviour-modification' program.

Abstract

The increasing prevalence and severity of anorexia among the young has led to an increase in the number of paediatric hospital admissions and readmissions over the years. Moreover there has been a significant drop in the age of patients being admitted to hospitals for treatment. Recognising the importance of the nursing role and the therapeutic relationship, this thesis reports specific detailed insights into the daily routine of nurses and adolescents with anorexia on a ward, which bases its re-feeding program on behaviour-modification principles ('The Level System'), and the impact of this program on nurse-patient relationships. In many ways, life for an adolescent with anorexia on the ward mirrored life for a prison inmate. Within 'The Level System' program, nurses and doctors became analogous to prison officers. The subsequent themes reflect these similarities. The study provides positive recommendations for constructive change to improve the lives of both nurses and patients and further enhances lay and professional understandings of the nursing care for adolescents with anorexia within a behaviour-modification treatment program.

Date of Award	2007
Original language	English