The study was carried out to investigate the level of shame and guilt that is usually faced by mothers who experience various disorders. From the research study research question, it is vivid that shame and guilt are often inevitable among mothers suffering from eating disorders. At this point, it is profound to note that Rørtveit, Åström, and Severinsson (2010) have documented their research question in the sense that every reader of the article can obtain the full glimpse of the study from the abstract and introductory sections. In addition, the language used to present the arguments throughout the research study is straightforward and hence easy to understand.
Mothers who face eating disorders may often find it difficult to speak it out openly due to the social and family shame associated with such disorders. On the same note, they may feel guilty because their eating behaviors are undesirable and reveal a lot of irresponsibilities. Due to these complications, the authors of this research study made sure that adequate ethical and methodological considerations were put in place before and during the process of conducting the research. It is vital to mention that ethical issues and methodology used in any form of social study are of great importance. For instance, permission was sought from the Research and Human Resources Department of the hospital, the regional ethics committee, and the Norwegian social science committee before the study could be conducted. It is usually necessary to seek approval from accredited and concerned bodies. This is one of the strengths of this research study.
In addition, the research study ensured that all the information gathered from the participants was used confidentially and not shared with third parties. Voluntary participation was encouraged and the respondents could freely withdraw at will without facing any work-related consequences since some of them were employees of the Norwegian hospital. Other positive attributes of the research study included audio-tape interviews with consent from the participating mothers and informed consent.
In terms of inclusion criteria and data collection, the researchers made sure that various psychiatric units participated in the study. For instance, mothers suffering from various eating disorders were invited to take part in the study as long as they were willing and qualified. This is a vital area of concern in empirical research studies of this nature. The inclusion criteria should always be as comprehensive as possible. The therapists used in this study were drawn from the western coast of Norway. The inclusion criteria used included lack of major disability, free from drug addiction, suffering from eating disorders, and also being a mother. Such criteria were adequate in highlighting the various concerns of the study. The research study came up with solid findings that were made possible by comprehensive inclusion criteria.
It is equally vital to note that the method used to collect data ensured that all the major components of the study were put into consideration. For example, participants had to express their interests to take part in the research study. Secondly, they were to be sent detailed letters expounding the objectives of the study alongside methods to be used in collecting data. On the same note, researchers met with the participating mothers and carried out oral interviews. These were detailed and systematic steps that put into account all the fine details and requirements of the research study.
Nonetheless, the study had its weaknesses despite the positive features demonstrated above. To begin with, the study largely employed a qualitative data collection method. As such, participants were supposed to describe their eating difficulties to the researchers. Using data from in-depth reflections among participants may sometimes prove to be hectic bearing in mind that such data are detailed and descriptive. There are high chances of excluding vital pieces of information when summarizing qualitative data. In addition, omission and commission errors are inevitable in research studies that rely heavily on the qualitative methodology of data collection.
Moreover, the sample size of 8 mothers used in the study was quite small for a research study of this nature. Although extrapolative methods are usually applied to gauge the experience or outcomes of large size of population, it is pertinent to note that extremely small sample size may proportionately affect the findings of a study. One of the negative effects of small sample size is that it may increase the chances of generalizing the targeted populations even if they have not been adequately represented in the sample being studied. In the case of a small sample size, the outcomes or findings may appear completely different in comparison to large sample size. Hence, the findings in this study may not be relied upon fully because the statistical significance of the results is highly likely to be hidden by the small sample size.
Finally, the research has not highlighted the possible limitations of the study. The latter is vital in enhancing the credibility and accountability of the researchers and the entire article.
Reference
Rørtveit, K.., Åström, S. & Severinsson, E. (2010). The meaning of guilt and shame: A qualitative study of mothers who suffer from eating difficulties. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing 19, 231–239.