Table 2 Superordinate and subordinate themes developed during the analysis
Superordinate theme | Subordinate theme |
|---|---|
Eating difficulties were influenced by sibling’s AN | Emotionally charged mealtimes at home Comparison and competition Increased focus on body image and diet |
Changing eating patterns to manage difficult emotions | Feeling responsible for a sibling with AN Restricting eating to manage emotions Traumatic experiences increasing the need for control |
Systemic pressure to be thin | Family beliefs about diet and body size The thin ideal |
Finding appropriate support was difficult for participants | Being the well sibling Difficulties getting support Types of support that may have helped |