Juvenile Arthritis, Body Image, and Disordered Eating: An Exploration of Experiences

Author

Katelyn Ann MelcherFollow

Year of Award

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

Master of Arts (MA)

Degree Name

Clinical Psychology

Department or School/College

Department of Psychology

Committee Chair

Caitlin Martin-Wagar

Commitee Members

Duncan Campbell, Sarah Reese

Keywords

eating disorder, body image, juvenile arthritis, chronic illness, qualitative

Subject Categories

Child Psychology | Clinical Psychology | Pediatrics | Rheumatology

Abstract

This qualitative study examined eating and body experiences among youth with juvenile arthritis (JA). JA, an autoimmune condition affecting nearly 300,000 youth in the United States, poses significant challenges including chronic pain, disability, and psychological concerns such as anxiety and depression. Adolescence is a critical developmental time for body image and disordered eating concerns to emerge. However, no qualitative research has explored the interactions of JA, body image, and eating behaviors among youth. Twelve youth with a JA diagnosis participated in a semistructured qualitative interview examining their experiences with JA and their feelings about their bodies and food as they relate to their disease. Interviews were transcribed, description-focused coding was generated, and the data was analyzed for themes. Four primary themes were identified: ability status, symptom severity, medication side effects, and dietary restrictions. Generally, participants attributed lower ability status, increased symptoms, medication side effects, and dietary restrictions to having a negative impact on their body image and relationship with food. However, participants also reported having more positive body image due to feeling stronger and more able-bodied during periods of remission. Findings indicate that mental health providers and JA specialists should be aware of the relationship between JA and eating pathology and body image concerns. The findings also suggest a need to develop eating disorder and body image prevention and interventions that specifically address aspects of juvenile arthritis and chronic illness management (i.e., medication side effects and dietary restrictions). Finally, there is a need for additional eating disorder and body image research with youth with autoimmune illnesses.

Recommended Citation

Melcher, Katelyn Ann, "Juvenile Arthritis, Body Image, and Disordered Eating: An Exploration of Experiences" (2025). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 12434.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/12434