Social connection is a vital, yet often overlooked, part of sustained eating disorder recovery.
Research shows that loneliness is common among people with eating disorders and is associated with more severe symptoms and a higher risk of relapse.
Recovery frequently involves rebuilding meaningful relationships and reconnecting with valued identities beyond the illness.
Developed by the Groups, Identities & Health Research Group at Nottingham Trent University, these guidelines present evidence‑based principles and practical strategies for professionals supporting individuals with eating disorders.
By integrating belonging and identity‑building into treatment, they enhance existing therapeutic approaches and strengthen recovery pathways through gradual social engagement, appropriate family involvement in adult care, peer support, and safer engagement with online communities.
This resource has been created in collaboration with leading organisations including Bodywhys – The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland, First Steps ED, and Beat. The initiative draws on the insights of people with lived experience of recovery and those who support them.
Download the social connections professional guidelines
Supporting social recovery in eating disorders
Watch our video for more information and support
Associate Professor Niamh McNamara shares advice from the guidelines.
Building connections and discovering or rediscovering an identity beyond the illness is an important part of recovery.
If you need support with an eating disorder, contact FirstSteps ED, Beat, or Bodywhys – The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland.
Staff profile: Associate Professor Niamh McNamara
Niamh is an Associate Professor in Social Psychology and leads the Groups, Identities, & Health Research Group.
Her research addresses global health challenges by examining how social identity, belonging, and loneliness shape mental health and recovery, with a particular focus on eating disorders.
Find out more about the School of Social Sciences
Social Sciences
The School of Social Sciences is characterised by our diversity and dynamism; the scope and standards of our courses; our globally acclaimed research; and our reputation for producing well-trained, highly skilled graduates.
Groups, Identities and Health
The Groups, Identities and Health research group investigates the ways in which social identities impact upon the health and wellbeing of their group members. We examine groups across a wide range of community, healthcare and educational contexts to examine how social identities can shape members’ perceptions and experiences, how identities facilitate or impede helping behaviour and how groups serve to support or undermine individual and collective resilience.