In this week’s podcast, Han is joined by Dr Lauren Duncan. Lauren is a black woman of dual heritage and has personal experience of anorexia. Lauren has just finished her PhD where she was researching the role of racism and relationships in the development of eating disorders in black women.

This week, we discuss:

• The drive for Lauren's PhD, including the lack of research on minority ethnic groups, particularly black women.
• The impact of low self-esteem due to stigmas against their race and ethnicity, and how that impacted their eating disorder.
• The paradox of engaging with an eating disorder to feel connection, opposed to the reality of disconnection.
• The vulnerability an eating disorder puts on individuals and how this impacts relationships.
• The impact of stereotypes towards black women and the importance of religion, and how this influenced the development of anorexia.
• The role of boundaries in relationships and how an eating disorder can be used to excuse negative behaviours.
• The ambivalence black women felt towards romantic relationships and their eating disorders.
• The participant's relationship with sex, and the impact of anorexia.
• The participant's hopes and dreams for the future in regards to their race, relationships and eating disorders.

To find out more about Lauren and her research, you can connect with her on LinkedIn.

Kindly note, that this episode delves into sensitive eating disorder topics. Remember to take care of yourself while listening, and always seek professional help if needed. This podcast is your bridge to insightful discussions, not a substitute for clinical guidance.