Christian religion and spirituality in eating disorder development, experience, and recovery: an exploration of lived experience in Australia and New Zealand
This study highlights previously under-recognised religious and spiritual influences upon protective and predisposing factors for eating disorders, including perfectionism, attachment and identity formation. Results could inform more personalised approaches to caring for Christians experiencing eating disorders. Findings also suggest a need for similar research with other religious and spiritual traditions.
Authors
- Michael Bräutigam (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8543-1808)
- Hayley Thomas (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8801-894X)
- Thomas Kimber
- Nancy Sturman (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7124-5553)
- Megan Best
- Tracey Wade
- Clare O’Callaghan
Institutions
- The University of Queensland (AU)
- The University of Melbourne (AU)
- Flinders University (AU)
- Melbourne School of Theology (AU)
- The University of Notre Dame Australia (AU)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Frontiers in Psychology
- Published
- 2026-02-17
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1764418
- Primary Topic
- Eating Disorders and Behaviors
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00