Significados y vivencias subjetivas asociados a la presencia de un trastorno de la conducta alimentaria, desde la perspectiva de mujeres que lo padecen

The current study seeks to understand the different perspectives, life experiences and subjective theories of young Chilean women with an eating disorder regarding their condition, discerning emotional aspects related to family dynamics, causal attributions and treatment. Qualitative methodology with a descriptive-exploratory design is used. Eight in depth interviews were carried out. Data analysis was based on open coding in accordance with Grounded Theory. The findings reveal that the disorder is experienced as a regulator of conflict and anxiety, generating negative and positive experiences, these being one of the main reasons for maintaining the disorder. Feelings of ambivalence and chronicity are highlighted among patients living with this illness.