Using symbolic interactionism to improve recreational therapy practice for individuals with eating disorders

Authors

  • Alysha A. Walter, BS, CTRS
  • Marieke Van Puymbroeck, PhD, CTRS

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2013.0043

Keywords:

Eating disorders, symbolic interactionism, recreational therapy

Abstract

This article provides a description of eating disorders (ED) as a social psychological phenomenon by focusing on how self-processes are formed through social interaction. This phenomenon, known as symbolic interactionism, allows practitioners to better understand the social underpinnings of the destructive thought patterns prevalent in ED. Individuals with ED are highly reactive in social situations, often misinterpreting responses toward them as highly judgmental. Internalizing others’ perceptions creates interpersonal problems. Identifying the self-processes that surround ED will provide recreational therapists the valuable tools needed to develop successful interventions to treat people with ED. Particular attention will be paid to how symbolic interactionism can help recreational therapists understand how individuals with an eating disorder react to social interactions. Finally, implications for recreation therapy research and practice are discussed.

Author Biographies

Alysha A. Walter, BS, CTRS

Master’s Student, School of Public Health-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

Marieke Van Puymbroeck, PhD, CTRS

Associate Professor, School of Public Health-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

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Published

04/01/2013

How to Cite

Walter, BS, CTRS, A. A., & Van Puymbroeck, PhD, CTRS, M. (2013). Using symbolic interactionism to improve recreational therapy practice for individuals with eating disorders. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 12(2), 27–32. https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2013.0043

Issue

Section

Articles