1st Edition

Feeding the Self Identity and Recovery in Anorexia Nervosa

Edited By John Fox, Marc Williams Copyright 2026
208 Pages 2 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

208 Pages 2 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

208 Pages 2 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

Feeding the Self brings together leading scholars, clinicians, and lived-experience authors to place self and identity at the heart of how we understand and promote recovery from anorexia nervosa (AN). Spanning developmental, social, cultural, and clinical lenses, the volume maps how identities are formed, threatened, and reclaimed within families and peer groups, under stigma and loneliness,... Read more

1. Introduction to the Book   

Marc O. Williams & John R.E. Fox

PART ONE  

 2. Identity Development and the “Real Me”  

Anna Oldershaw & Tony Lavender

3. Self-Conscious Emotions 

Klaske A. Glashouwer  & Peter J. de Jong

 4.The Anorexic Voice 

John R.E. Fox & Marc O. Williams

 5. Autism and Identity 

Sarah L. Field, Marc O. Williams, & Will Mandy

 6. Longstanding Anorexia Nervosa

Janet Conti, Laura Kiely, & Phillipa Hay

  PART TWO  

7. Emotions in a Social Context

  8. Social Identity 

Niamh McNamara

 9. Gender Role Norms 

Jaclyn A. Siegel, PhD

 10. Gender Identity  

Kai Thomas

11. Global and Cultural Perspectives 

Christopher Paul Szabo

 PART THREE  

12. Where the Secret Lies: A Deep Glimpse into the ‘Lived Eating Disorder Experience'  

Lili Clark, PhD & SiennaMarísa Brown, MSc

13. Rediscovering the Self: Anorexia, Identity, and the Path Forward 

Marc O. Williams & John R.E. Fox

Biography

John R.E. Fox is Professor of Clinical Psychology and Programme Director of the Sheffield DClinPsy programme. He is Co-Editor-in-Chief of Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice and has over 20 years’ clinical and academic experience in eating disorders.

Marc O. Williams, DClinPsy, PhD, is a Clinical Psychologist, Senior Lecturer, and Co-Editor-in-Chief of Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice. His expertise spans eating disorders and climate change related mental health.

 'Eating disorders begin in  adolescence during  a  critical transformational period  of brain development. Approximately a third of patients have a protracted form of illness  often with a  complex formulation that involves many systems. This book fills an important gap  as it has a focus on the psychological and interpersonal rather than the medical aspects . It offers a rich resource with a wide-ranging collection of expertise  in the  understanding  of the process of the development of  a  confident  adult identity.  It includes a wide range of  strategies to target the core symptom of loneliness and loss of self-security which is at the heart of this illness.'

Janet Treasure

 'This is a very comprehensive text that provides an analysis of the role of self and identity processes in the development, maintenance, and recovery from anorexia nervosa. The edited volume incorporates diverse theoretical perspectives on identity and a large number of accomplished identity scholars have contributed. A must-read for researchers and practitioners in the field.'

Professor Tegan Cruwys

 'This important book brings together a number of highly influential academics and clinicians working in the field of anorexia nervosa. In the first book of its kind, the volume covers the important issue of identity in anorexia, the way in which it may contribute to both the development and the maintenance of the disorder. In this groundbreaking book, Fox, Williams and their co-authors provide important insights into this most challenging eating disorder, where our understanding is still limited, and treatments are at best, only partially effective. Linking the concept of identity to emotions such as disgust and shame and to the concept of the anorexic voice, the authors offer profound and original insights into how anorexia develops and what makes it so hard to recover. Strengths of the book include the consideration of neurodiversity and gender identity, both important aspect of the condition. Underpinned by theory and research evidence, and supported by insights from experts by experience, the book offers crucial ideas are already leading to improvements in psychological treatments for anorexia nervosa, offering hope to sufferers and their families. It will offer new insights to seasoned eating disorder experts as well as those new to the area.'

Professor Lucy Serpell

'We cannot fully understand anorexia nervosa without understanding the role of identity. This book explains why, and what can be done about it. By examining identity through multiple lenses, this volume offers a comprehensive overview of anorexia that integrates theory, research, clinical practice, and lived experiences. Filled with invaluable insights, it is an essential resource for clinicians and researchers alike.'

Dr Matthew Pugh