Explaining the Subjective Experience of Individuals with Eating Disorders Regarding Motivation for Behavioral Change

Abstract

This study aimed to explain the subjective experience of individuals with eating disorders regarding motivation for behavioral change using a qualitative, phenomenological approach. This research employed a qualitative design based on interpretative phenomenological analysis. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 21 individuals diagnosed with eating disorders, selected purposefully from mental health centers in Tehran. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation, and thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo software. The analysis resulted in four main themes: “internal factors influencing motivation for change,” “external factors affecting motivation,” “motivational barriers to behavior change,” and “the process of internalizing motivation for change.” Each theme contained multiple subthemes that richly illustrated the complexity of motivational experience. Participants’ direct quotations were used to deepen the analysis. Findings revealed that motivation for behavioral change in eating disorders is a complex, dynamic, and multifaceted process influenced by personal, social, and cultural factors. Understanding these subjective experiences can inform more contextually grounded and psychologically attuned therapeutic interventions.