Orthorexia Nervosa: A Multi-Study Examination of the Positive Impact of Mindfulness and Self-Compassion

Kalika, Eliza (2026) Orthorexia Nervosa: A Multi-Study Examination of the Positive Impact of Mindfulness and Self-Compassion. Doctoral thesis, Birmingham City University.

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Abstract

Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is a concept which has been introduced in recent years and is becoming more prevalent. ON is characterised by the obsessive focus on healthy and clean food, following strict eating regimens where restrictions escalate over time impacting the quality of life of the individual. Mindfulness, self-compassion, and mindful eating have been associated with alleviation of disordered eating as well as eating disorders where successful interventions have been developed to tackle such issues in general and specific populations. However, literature exploring these concepts in relation to ON is limited with only a handful of studies exploring mindfulness and mindful eating and no literature exploring self-compassion. The current thesis aims to explore mindfulness-based constructs and ON, as well as constructs such as quality of life, perfectionism, mental health and disordered eating. By gaining insight into the relationships between mindfulness-based constructs, ON and risk factors, it would allow to form a basis on how mindfulness-based interventions could be developed for orthorexic populations. Each chapter explores different risk factors in relation to ON and mindfulness-based constructs. Chapter 1 introduces ON, providing an overview of diagnostic measures, prevalence as well as constructs which formed the initial motivations to explore solutions such as mindfulness and self-compassion, as well as risk-factors such as perfectionism, mental health and eating behaviours. Chapter 2, 3, 4 and 5 investigate associations of orthorexia nervosa with mindfulness, self-compassion, and mindful eating to potential risk factors of orthorexia nervosa such as perfectionism, mental health, disordered eating and quality of life. Chapter 6 focuses on investigating different measures of ON in relation to mindfulness, self-compassion, and mindful eating to understand the conceptualisation of ON. Chapter 7 focuses on the qualitative investigation into ON. Chapter 8 synthesises the findings of the thesis and provides an overall discussion where limitations and practical implications are discussed. The findings from the thesis aid in conceptualising ON further as well as understanding how mindfulness-based constructs can be utilised in the development of future interventions.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Dates:	Date Event 16 March 2026 Accepted
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Orthorexia Nervosa, Eating Behaviours, Mindfulness, Self-compassion
Subjects:	CAH04 - psychology > CAH04-01 - psychology > CAH04-01-01 - psychology (non-specific) CAH04 - psychology > CAH04-01 - psychology > CAH04-01-04 - psychology and health
Divisions:	Doctoral Research College > Doctoral Theses Collection Life and Health Sciences > Psychology
Depositing User:	Louise Muldowney
Date Deposited:	08 Apr 2026 09:08
Last Modified:	08 Apr 2026 09:08
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/16957

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