[Social Support or Social Contagion? How Patients with Eating Disorders in Inpatient Settings Affect Each Other].

OBJECTIVE

Living with others can provide social support for people with eating disorders. However, peer contagion is possible if competition arises and patients try to outdo each other in their symptomatic behavior.

METHOD: In 2 qualitative studies, a total of 19 female patients were interviewed about their experiences in an inpatient setting.

RESULTS

The qualitative data analysis of the problem-focused, semi-structured interviews shows opportunities but also risks; especially in groups exclusively for eating disorders.

DISCUSSION: It is important to avoid labeling and focusing on symptoms, to strengthen individuality and readiness to recover, as well as to reflect peer contagion.