Eating disorders entail diseases that enhance severe effects on the body of a person, especially in the realm of malnutrition and relative consequences. The disorders cause extreme thinness, binge-eating, self- imposed vomiting and various other abnormal eating behaviors. It is important to note that these causes and effects majorly emanate from an exaggerated fear of becoming obese. In the last 60 years, the population of patients with eating disorders has increased tremendously around the globe (Agras & Apple). A country like the US has experienced an exponential growth in patients suffering from eating disorders, over the last two decades (Tsuboi). Two major conditions of eating disorders formulate a wider part of the debate, and they include bilumia nervosa and anorexia nervosa. These eating disorders are caused by various factors in the sociological sphere of human life. Sociological factors are charged with enhancing the diseases, but other factors also play a major role (Agras and Apple). The increase in individuals with eating disorders and their effects warrant an intensified research on the topic. This will enhance the possibility of generating the correct mitigation procedures. Social factors in conjunction with other factors contribute to the development of eating disorders which require collaboration between various healthcare practitioners.
Table of Contents
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Objective & Themes
This paper investigates the significant influence of social factors, alongside other contributing elements, on the development of eating disorders and emphasizes the necessity for intensified research to devise effective mitigation procedures involving interdisciplinary healthcare collaboration.
- Exploring social and cultural factors in the causation of eating disorders.
- Analyzing the impact of media on body image and self-perception among women.
- Identifying the psychological and biological aspects contributing to eating disorders.
- Examining the role of family structure and interpersonal communication in ED development.
- Detailing the physical and mental health consequences associated with eating disorders.
- Highlighting challenges in treatment and the importance of early, collaborative intervention.
Excerpt from the Book
Social Factors Influencing the Development of Eating Disorders
Studies indicate that social; cultural factors play major role in the causation of eating disorders (Wozinak et al., 230). For instance, the ideal image of beauty that is propagated by the media affects most women in a negative way. The ideal image of beauty as facilitated by the media drives most women into adopting a similar perspective. However, women perceive such media images using different perspectives (Tsuboi 259). Different woman will have a contrasting idea about the ideal thinness, which presents an opportunity to study the variances and provide solutions. This development does not mean that the ideal thin woman, as described by cultural tenets, cannot influence the perceptions of other women. For example, a majority of women across the US feel that they do not meet the thinness standards of the ideal woman (Polivy and Herman 189). As a result, they tend to formulate comparisons with models depicted in magazines, and this leads to consequences on their general health. This means that social anxiety plays a pivotal role in encouraging eating disorders. Gilbert & Meyer found that most women indicate increased anxiety concerning their bodies because of their interactions with models (308). In addition, the issue of social anxiety stems from fearing social situations and believing that one is susceptible to negative comments. It is therefore evident that the media plays and important part in influencing eating disorders, especially amongst women around the world.
The prevalence of bilumia and anorexia has increased in the recent past, especially amongst young women and adolescents. Women from developed countries face a major risk of acquiring the illness, according to research (Magallares). In line with such realizations, it becomes important to develop intervention programs that aim at curbing the illness. The most appropriate programs will facilitate a successful remedy, as opposed to programs that are faulty in identifying patients (Polivy and Herman 190).
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This section introduces eating disorders, their increasing prevalence globally, and highlights social factors, alongside other contributors, as crucial to their development, emphasizing the need for intensified research and collaborative healthcare.
Social and Cultural Influences: This part discusses how social and cultural factors, particularly media's portrayal of ideal beauty, significantly contribute to the causation of eating disorders and social anxiety among women.
Prevalence and Intervention: It addresses the rising prevalence of bulimia and anorexia, especially among young women, and underscores the importance of developing effective intervention programs.
Diverse Causes of Anorexia: This segment explores the multifaceted causes of anorexia, including psychological, biological, and social aspects, emphasizing the role of family dynamics and heredity.
Physical Health Consequences: The paper details the severe physical health implications of eating disorders, such as chronic hypertension, organ failure, reduced bone mass, and cardiovascular ailments.
Contributing Factors and Comorbidities: This section elaborates on how a combination of physical, social, and biological factors, along with low self-esteem and compromised self-control, contribute to eating disorders, which are often accompanied by other mental conditions like OCD and substance dependency.
Family Structure and Conflict: It highlights the role of family structure, interpersonal communication problems, and parental conflicts in the development of eating disorders among children.
Conclusion: Importance of Intervention: This final section reiterates the gravity of eating disorders, their negative physical, social, and psychological effects, and advocates for early, multidisciplinary therapeutic intervention given the complexity of the illness.
Keywords
Eating disorders, Social factors, Anorexia nervosa, Bulimia nervosa, Media influence, Body image, Psychological factors, Biological factors, Family dynamics, Intervention programs, Malnutrition, Self-esteem, Adolescents, Public health, Therapeutic intervention
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this paper generally about?
This paper generally discusses the various social factors and other contributing elements that influence the development of eating disorders, highlighting their increasing prevalence and the need for effective mitigation strategies.
What are the central thematic areas?
The central thematic areas include the social and cultural influences on eating disorders, the role of media and body image, psychological and biological causes, family dynamics, physical health consequences, and the importance of intervention.
What is the primary goal or research question?
The primary goal is to understand how social and other factors contribute to eating disorders, to justify the need for intensified research on the topic, and to develop correct mitigation procedures involving collaboration among healthcare practitioners.
What scientific method is used?
Based on the content and references, the paper appears to be a literature review and analytical discussion, drawing upon existing studies and research findings to synthesize information on the causes and effects of eating disorders.
What is covered in the main body?
The main body covers a detailed discussion of social and cultural factors, psychological and biological influences, the role of family, physical health implications, common comorbidities, and the challenges and necessity of intervention programs for eating disorders.
What keywords characterize this work?
Keywords characterizing this work include eating disorders, social factors, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, media influence, body image, psychological aspects, and intervention.
How does media influence the perception of ideal beauty and body image in relation to eating disorders?
The media propagates an ideal image of thinness which negatively affects many women, leading them to compare themselves with models, experience social anxiety, and potentially adopt abnormal eating behaviors in pursuit of this ideal.
What are some of the key physical health consequences of eating disorders mentioned in the document?
Key physical health consequences include chronic hypertension, swelling of salivary glands, renal and heart failure, reduced bone mass index, cardiovascular ailments, and compromised appetite regulation due to effects on the brain.
How does family structure and dynamics contribute to the development of eating disorders?
Eating disorders are common in families with conflict resolution problems, poor interpersonal communication, and where the mother is highly valued. Persistent family conflicts and strained parent-child relationships are also cited as contributing factors.
Why is early and multidisciplinary intervention crucial for treating eating disorders?
Early therapeutic intervention is crucial to curb the severe negative physical, social, and psychological effects of eating disorders, which are complex diseases requiring a combination of expertise from doctors, mental health experts, and nutritionists.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Stanley Rugwiri (Autor:in), 2022, Social Factors Influencing the Development of Eating Disorders, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1623336
