ORIGINAL RESEARCH article
Front. Psychol.
Sec. Eating Behavior
Christian Religion and Spirituality in Eating Disorder Development, Experience and Recovery: An Exploration of Lived Experience in Australia and New Zealand
Hayley Thomas 1
Clare O'Callaghan 1
Megan Best 2
Michael Bräutigam 3
Thomas Kimber 3
Tracey Wade 4
Nancy Sturman 1
1. General Practice Clinical Unit, The University of Queensland Medical School, Herston, Australia
2. Institute for Ethics and Society, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Broadway, Australia
3. Centre for Theology and Psychology, Melbourne School of Theology, Wantirna, Australia
4. Flinders Institute of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
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Abstract
Background: Eating disorders are complex conditions, with aetiological factors and impacts across multiple domains. Religion and spirituality are areas of individual diversity that may represent a source of strength or struggle for those experiencing mental illness. However, there is limited and mixed evidence regarding the influence of religion and spirituality in eating disorders, and this is not well integrated within healthcare. Aim: To explore the interplay between Christian religion and spirituality and eating disorder development, experience and recovery, from the perspectives of Australians and New Zealanders with lived experience. Methods: Qualitative methodology using reflexive thematic analysis and selected grounded theory techniques. Data is based on semi-structured interviews with twenty-three participants who had a Christian background and self-identified as having partially or fully recovered from an eating disorder. Trustworthiness was supported by investigator reflexivity and triangulation. Results: Analysis highlighted an overarching experience of eating disorders and Christian spirituality as two non-linear, interwoven journeys. Three themes and seven subthemes elucidated this dynamic. Themes included (1) ‘Not enough’ - A sense of not being ‘good enough’ and/or ‘safe enough' in an eating disorder could be exacerbated or alleviated by Christian religion and spirituality; (2) ‘Wrestling’ – Eating disorders often triggered religious struggle, which could change spiritual trajectories; and (3) ‘Help to heal’ – Some participants found comfort, hope, and a foundation for eating disorder recovery in their Christian spirituality, often experienced as embracing God’s grace (that is, God’s unmerited love and favour). Conclusions: This study highlights previously under-recognised religious and spiritual influences upon protective and predisposing factors for eating disorders, including perfectionism, attachment and identity formation. Results could inform more personalised approaches to caring for Christians experiencing eating disorders. Findings also suggest a need for similar research with other religious and spiritual traditions.
Summary
Keywords
Attachment theory, Christianity, Eating Disorders, perfectionism, qualitative research, Religion, spirituality
Received
10 December 2025
Accepted
26 January 2026
Copyright
© 2026 Thomas, O'Callaghan, Best, Bräutigam, Kimber, Wade and Sturman. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Hayley Thomas
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