Chapter 7 198 From the findings (stemming from two different study populations in Chapters 4, 5 and 6) we can conclude we can reach this group online, and this might break through taboos. As one of the participants remarked: “It’s comforting to have someone to talk to or receive a response from when you’re feeling tired and about to snack. It is reassuring to have someone think with you” (andial-75; Chapter 4). One participant addressed the coach directly: “Can you assist me in learning how to identify these moments when I’m at risk of making impulsive decisions and help me find alternative solutions?” (andial-78; Chapter 4). And lastly: “Practicing with reframing forces you to see positive aspects in negative things. I noticed that this was a pleasant thing to do and think that I will apply this more often when I experience setbacks.” (PRE2; Chapter 6). Chapter 6 shows emotional eaters appeared to be well-disposed towards virtual coaching, and towards exercises that have so far only been used face-to-face, or within a group. Despite this group being characterized by feelings of shame and preferring not to make themselves known, the participants were open and willing in expressing their feelings and opinions on the issues presented (Chapters 4, 5 and 6). Participants exhibited strong opinions on various matters, demonstrating both accessibility and openness. Through their extensive responses to our questions, we gained a deeper understanding of their perspectives and were able to establish a close connection with them. This indicates that it was indeed feasible to engage with and reach the target group effectively. From literature a picture emerges that patients with a condition associated with feelings of shame, such as sexuality problems, low health literacy due to low literacy, or eating disorders [1-3], prefer to refrain from face-to-face therapy because of those feelings, or, in case of for example low literacy, to avoid the insecurities and shame that occur when their misunderstanding is exposed. These people are motivated users of coaching systems to work on their problem in complete anonymity. Nitsch et al. [4] argues that some people prefer interaction with the computer, because they might feel embarrassed when talking to a real person about their problems. Other participants mentioned that it is more “convenient”, “accessible for everyone because technology is omnipresent.” It is also important to reflect on the fact that emotional eaters have a clear picture of what they need regarding coaching. They often know what their emotional triggers are, but then do not seem to know what to do with the emotions [5]. Ford et al. states that “participants generally lacked emotional self-care, but desired to decrease their emotional eating behaviours”. They are also aware of their desire to escape unpleasant thoughts and feelings and shift their attention to the sensations of eating [6].
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