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Dear Colleagues,
We are seeking participants for an IRB-approved qualitative research study exploring women's lived experiences of recovery from bulimia nervosa.
Study Title: Embracing Existential Courage: An Exploration of Women's Recovery Journeys from Bulimia Nervosa
IRB Approval: BeyondBound IRB (#BB2509SA-129), approved September 13, 2025 (expires September 12, 2026)
This study uses a transcendental phenomenological approach to examine recovery narratives through the lens of existential psychology, drawing on Yalom's four existential concerns: death, freedom, isolation, and meaninglessness. The goal is to deepen our understanding of how these themes manifest in women's recovery journeys and to inform future clinical work.
Eligibility Criteria - Participants must:
* Be 18 years or older
* Identify as female
* Have received a clinical diagnosis of bulimia nervosa
* Have received therapy
* Report being mostly symptom-free for at least one year
Participation Involves:
* One 60–90 minute semi-structured interview conducted via Zoom
* Video recording (for transcription purposes)
* Opportunity to skip any question or withdraw at any time
All interviews will be transcribed and anonymized using pseudonyms. Confidentiality will be strictly maintained through encrypted storage and separation of consent materials from data. While there is no monetary compensation, participants may enter a raffle for a gift card.
If you work with individuals who may be eligible and interested, we would be grateful if you would consider sharing this study information (flyer attached).
Individuals interested in participating can contact:
Samantha Abouzeeni, MA
sabouzeeni@msp.edu
Thank you for supporting research that aims to expand our understanding of recovery in bulimia nervosa.
Warmly,
Samantha Abouzeeni, MA
Kate Cusick, PsyD (Committee Chair)
Johanna Buzolits, PhD (Faculty Advisor)
Anita Federici, PhD (Consultant)
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Anita Federici PhD, FAED
Psychologist
The Centre for Psychology & Emotion Regulation
Penetanguishine ON
(249)492-2673
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