Cultural Factors Of Eating Disorders - 1696 Words

Cultural Factors Culture has been identified as one of the etiological factors leading to the development of eating disorders. Rates of these disorders appear to vary among different cultures and to change across time as cultures evolve. Additionally, eating disorders appear to be more widespread among contemporary cultural groups than was previously believed (Miller, 2010, para. 2). Miller (2010) also stated that a variety of American ethnic groups have higher levels of eating disorders than previously recognized. According to Miller (2014), a recent study of early adolescent girls found that Hispanic and Asian-American girls showed greater body dissatisfaction than Caucasian girls. Furthermore, Miller (2014) also reported levels†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"Counseling or psychotherapy alone, as well as in combination with pharmacotherapy, requires highly trained mental health and/or medical professionals working in outpatient or inpatient facilities, and these treatments can be quite expensive† (Erford Richards, 2012, p. 152). Psychotherapy Bulimia Nervosa treatment led to many debates over which approach is most effective. Psychotherapy can be very helpful in addressing not only disordered eating, but also overall emotional health and happiness. The focus of psychotherapy treatment is to address the underlying emotional and cognitive issues that result in the disordered eating. Erford Richards, (2012), have reported the efficacy of counseling or psychotherapy in the treatment of bulimia nervosa. The study concluded that the effects did not last, and better results were obtained when medication was combined with psychotherapy† (p. 152). Family Therapy In the article, Effects of bulimia on friends and family, (2012), stated that family therapy may be used for younger bulimics, or those who do not respond to cognitive therapy. Family therapy relies on the support of siblings and parents to encourage a bulimic to engage in healthy eating behaviors and for treatment to be successful (para.4). There are usually many questions that need to be answered. Unfortunately, bulimia is a difficult disorder to understand, even for the victim. If everyone can become a part of theShow MoreRelatedEating Disorders : Social And Cultural Factors1820 Words   |  8 PagesEating Disorders: Social and Cultural Factors Donna Vega West Coast University October 24, 2014 Abstract In today’s society, eating disorders has become one of the main factors leading to the increased mortality rates in the United States. The two major eating disorders include Anorexia and Bulimia. Young adults especially, are in greater risk of having an eating disorder. 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Martin’s family and friends have overheard him whispering in an agitated voiceRead MoreHow Eating Disorders Affect Health772 Words   |  3 PagesEating Disorders are conditions in which involves irregular eating habits, either insufficient or excessive food, that affects inimical the body’s image and mental health (Wikipedia). It affects men and women of all ages, but it has a greater impact among adolescences and young adults. In the United States, 24 million A mericans are battling eating disorders, in which 1 million are males and 23 million are females. An individual who portraits this condition may have an irrational self-image thoughtRead MoreA Brief Note On Anorexia And Bulimia Nervosa1561 Words   |  7 PagesIn today s western society, an abundance of factors contribute to the way one thinks and feels about themselves physically, and essentially how one would act upon this. 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