Browsing by Author "Arcelus, Jon"

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    Development of the Mealtime Emotions Measure for adolescents (MEM-A): Gender differences in emotional responses to family mealtimes and eating psychopathology
    (2015) White, Hannah J.; Haycraft, Emma; Wallis, D. J.; Arcelus, Jon; Leung, Newman
    This study aimed to examine the factor structure of the Mealtime Emotions Measure for adolescents (MEMA), a novel measure of emotional responses experienced during family mealtimes. Additionally, it examined gender differences in mealtime emotions and also the relationships between mealtime emotions and levels of eating psychopathology, when controlling for anxiety or depression. Adolescent participants (N = 527; 282 girls, 245 boys) with a mean age of 15.9 years completed the new mealtime measure for adolescents (MEM-A), in addition to questions about family mealtime atmosphere, and measures assessing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and eating psychopathology. Factor analysis produced a three factor solution for the MEM-A with two subscales relating to different types of negative mealtime emotions (Anxiety-related mealtime emotions and Anger-related mealtime emotions) and one subscale relating to Positive mealtime emotions. Generally, girls reported experiencing more Anxiety-related mealtime emotions compared to boys. Having conducted separate analyses controlling for levels of either anxiety or depression, there were several significant associations for both girls and boys between mealtime emotions, particularly Anxiety-related emotions, and eating psychopathology. The findings suggest that some mealtime emotions are associated with increased eating psychopathology. Replication and detailed examination of these emotional responses is required.
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    Exploring Barriers to South Asian Help-Seeking for Eating Disorders
    (Mental Health Review Journal, 2017-03-13) Wales, Jackie; Brewin, Nicola; Raghavan, Raghu; Arcelus, Jon
    Purpose Referrals to specialist eating disorder services from the South Asian (SA) community are under-represented, despite research suggesting that disordered eating attitudes and behaviours of SA people are similar to the population in general. The study aimed to identify the reasons for this and sought to inform ways to encourage help-seeking. Design/Methodology/Approach A qualitative methodology was used to investigate barriers to help-seeking for eating disorders among the SA community. A key informant focus group was conducted with clinicians working within the local specialist eating disorder service (participants n=16, 12 female, 4 male). Six focus groups were conducted with members of the SA community in Leicester, UK, (participants n=28, 23 female, 5 male) recruited from a local university, two charities and Children, Young People & Family Centres. Findings A number of themes emerged as possible factors for delaying early access to help: lack of knowledge about eating disorders and their potential seriousness; ideals regarding body shape; family living circumstances, and the role of food in the community. Participants acknowledged stigma among their community associated with mental health issues, including eating disorders, and concerns about confidentiality when approaching services, particularly primary care. Originality/value General practitioners and specialist services need to be aware of the potential barriers to help-seeking for eating disorders as early specialist help is recommended for effective treatment. An educational campaign around eating disorders specifically designed with the SA community in mind may improve awareness, reduce stigma and promote early help-seeking.
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    Mealtimes on eating disorder wards: a two study investigation.
    (Wiley, 2012) Long, S.; Wallis, D. J.; Leung, Newman; Arcelus, Jon; Meyer, Caroline
    Objective: This research had two aims. First, to assess the current mealtime practices within UK eating disorders units. Second, to investigate staff perspectives of these mealtimes, including their involvement and understanding of patients’ experience. Method: Study 1 involved a survey to assess mealtime protocols across 22 eating disorders units. In Study 2, sixteen semistructured interviews were conducted with staff at three eating disorders units. Results: Between and within-unit variation exist regarding the implementation of mealtimes. Thematic analysis revealed that staff perceived their provision of mealtimes to be influenced by their own interpersonal difficulties created by the meals. Additionally, they perceived that these issues could be aided by forward planning, successful teamwork, and focused staff training. Discussion: There is a need for specialized mealtime implementation training. Furthermore, research is required to evaluate current mealtime practices from patient perspectives and to determine the impact of modified mealtime approaches on treatment outcome.