Abnormal Psychology - Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders

Kimble, John

Indiana Tech

Abstract

I will attempt to define and explain what eating disorders are, who are most likely to get them, Describe who is most likely to have this disorder with regard to age, gender, social class and ethnicity. I will also attempt to summarize the risk factors associated with eating disorders, whether it be biological, psychological and or social. I will also attempt to describe the relationship between eating disorders and other disorders.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are one of many disorder which we discussed during the course of this class. This is one of the disorders, that although somewhat familiar with, I still learned some things that I did not know prior to taking this class. Having seen people struggle with eating disorders, I do find it close to my heart and something that I take very seriously. I also find myself keeping an eye on my children to make sure they do not fall into some traps that society presents for them.

What is an Eating Disorder?

An eating disorder is a mental disorder defined by eating habits which may not be seen as “normal.” However, what is normal for you or I, the person who suffers from the disorder may think what is going on in their lives is normal. An eating disorder can take control of one’s life. It can control the very core of one’s being. In some of the most extreme cases, the eating disorder can lead to death.

Eating disorders are sometimes encouraged by our society. Maybe not directly, but indirectly. For a while there was a trend among women who were doing whatever they could do to appear to be “waif” thin and ultra-skinny. It was even splashed across our TV screens and our magazines, almost promoting that life style. There were a lot of girls who were doing whatever they could do to look like the women on the cover of magazines. Eating disorders are not relegated to women though. Males can also suffer from eating disorders although it is believed not to the same extent.

Who Gets Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders are not necessarily relegated to one sector or group. In an article from The Journal, indicated “For years, experts considered body dysmorphia and disorders like anorexia to be problems that mainly affected women. For the most part, men were left unscathed. That is no longer the case - as it is becoming increasingly clear.” (Guarino, 2016) The article goes on to talk about the body builder who was so self-conscious about his appearance he was willing to take that drastic of an approach.

Although the scales still lean towards women who suffer from eating disorders, it is a far reaching issue that even reaches teens and youths.

A few interesting statistics to further explain who gets eating disorders:

• 1 in 5 women
• Affects 24 million Americans
• 10 to 15 % of people who have bulimia are male
• 90% of all eating disorder sufferers are women between the ages of 12 and 25

And it goes on and on. The makeup of eating disorder sufferers is widespread.

It is a sad note that women’s body images are sometimes the root cause of eating disorders. With the constant barrage of scantily clad women and even teens popping up on our television screens, it’s no wonder a lot of younger children suffer from body image issues. In a study published by Young People, the study was eye opening. The article indicated “The largest annual survey into the views of the UK’s girls and young women has revealed that 36% of seven- to 10-year-old girls say people make them feel like the most important thing about them is the way they look.” (Bates, 2016)

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