Aim:

In this study, women were interviewed about their experiences of recovering from an eating disorder - The aim has been to investigate the factors that contributed to recovery and with guidance of these factors, find factors that can be used in a preventive intervention.

Method

: A qualitative approach was used to design and conduct interviews, the design of the study was descriptive and a semistructured interview was used. The local affiliation of The Swedish Eating Disorder Association was contacted and provided contact with 10 women who participated in the interview. To participate in the study the women had to be recovered from their eating disorder for at least two years. The women who patricipated in the study were between 22 and 36 years old and had been recovered for 2- 16 years. Data were analyzed and coded then categories with similar themes about the factors that were important for recovery wad etablished. The various groups were summarized and are then recognized in the results.

Results:

Various factors have been important for recovery. One outstanding factor was people in their surroundings and people they met in treatment such as therapist, doctors and psychologists. These were persons who contributed to their courage to leave the eating disorders and helped them to better self-esteem, self-respect and hope for the future. Other important factors included the re- finding of their interests and to be their own selves in social contexts. Another important factor was to read literature about eating disorders, and biographies about people who have recovered from eating disorders. The conclusion is that the most important factor in recovering from an eating disorder is a person´s environment and its support. In order to prevent eating disorders, the work in the first place should be given to encourage children and young people´s self esteem