| Summary: | This doctoral thesis examines the relationship between childhood sexual abuse, a proposed risk factor for eating disorders, and the development of eating disorders in women living within a highly specialised environment. The first chapter critically reviews recent literature examining the complex relationship between childhood sexual abuse and eating disorders. Psychological difficulties that are involved in this relationship are explored, methodological limitations and recommendations for future research are also discussed. In addition implications for clinical practice are considered. The second chapter is an empirical study exploring eating distress in women with Borderline Personality Disorder detained in a medium secure setting. The population was assessed using a number of standardised assessments and following this, women displaying signs of eating distress were interviewed to ascertain their in-depth views on food, eating behaviours and their opinion of the support and treatment available. The final chapter provides a reflective account of the author‟s experiences of carrying out sensitive research with women in secure services.
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