It’s not all about control: Challenging mainstream framing of Eating Disorders

The concept of control has long been suggested as a central factor in eating disorder (ED) aetiology. The concept is now so mainstream that it is often used in a potentially reductionist, stigmatizing or otherwise harmful manner. In this paper we explore and discuss our positions on the use of control-related terminology for EDs. In particular we argue that although control can play a role in some EDs, an overemphasis upon this factor is not beneficial. It is important to challenge a discourse that can lead to EDs being perceived as something ‘wrong’ with the individual, rather than a consequence of life events or other environmental influences. The authors of this auto-ethnographic position paper include academic researchers, individuals with lived experience and clinicians (not mutually exclusive). In sharing our experiences and observations, we hope to raise awareness of the wider impacts that control framing can have on ED perceptions, treatment, recovery and individuals’ lived experience. We challenge the mainstream discourse and identify priorities for the future for researchers, clinicians, policy makers and the wider public.