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VOLUME 6, ISSUE 1 PSYCHNEWS INTERNATIONAL May 2001
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SECTION H: SPECIAL RESOURCE ARTICLE
MILLENIAL LITERATURE ON ADOLESCENTS AND EATING DISORDERS:
AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY
Christy Valentine
This annotated bibliography was developed for professionals,
students, and the general public in an effort to ascertain the
prevalence and impact of eating disorders in adolescents. Items
researched for this bibliography were cited in electronic article
and book indexes (i.e. Silver Platter/PsycLit; InfoTrac/Expanded
Academic; FirstSearch Basic/Periodical Abstracts, ArticleFirst,
Wilson Select, and BooksInPrint; and FirstSearch Premium/
HumanitiesAbs, SocialSciAbs, WilsonSelectPlus, and WorldCat).
Inclusion was based on currency, new focuses, and new findings
of eating disorders and adolescents in both scholarly and general
works. A list of Internet resources accompanies the annotated
bibliography.
In addition to the items included in this bibliography, it is
worth nothing several journals devoted to the research of
eating disorders alone (i.e. Eating Disorders Journal of
Treatment and Prevention, European Eating Disorders Review:
The Journal of the Eating Disorders Association, and
International Journal of Eating Disorders). There are also
several nursing textbooks with in-depth coverage of diagnosis
and treatment for disordered eating. A true gem published in
the year two thousand is a book series entitled A Teen Eating
Disorder Prevention Book. Written to adolescents, this series
comprehensively covers prevention, detection, related factors,
and treatment of eating disorders. What makes this series so
valuable is the additional information and resources listed
in the back of each book, allowing a teenager to seek help
anonymously.
It has been documented that anorexia nervosa has the
highest mortality rate of all psychiatric illnesses.
Most bulimics, who use self-induced vomiting to purge,
only rid their body of one third the calories they take in
during a high caloric binge, resulting in little weight
loss if any at all. Traditional beliefs about eating
disorders have been disproved by current longitudinal and
cross-cultural studies. Eating disorders are not confined
to western, middle-class, white-females but cross cultures,
social economic status, and gender.
In conclusion, it has been found that eating disorders are
more complex than originally believed. Due to the frequent
incidences of these disorders, there is a strong need to
continue the study of eating disorders, particularly
long-term physical effects, cross-culture differences, and
the impact of prevention programs. A conscious effort to
develop intervention strategies to stop eating disorders
before they start, needs to be the responsibility of society
as a whole.
**********
American Psychiatric Association. (2000).
Diagnostic criteria from DSM-IV-TR. Washington, DC: Author.
The American Psychiatric Association provides diagnostic
criteria for anorexia and bulimia nervosa (with their
various sub types), and eating disorder not otherwise
specified (including binge eating disorder). The outlined
criteria is used to determine prognosis and treatment by
medical personnel as well as psychologists and counselors.
Antisdel, J.E., & Chrisler, J.C. (2000).
Comparison of eating attitudes and behaviors among
adolescent and young women with type 1 diabetes mellitus
and phenylketonuria. Journal of Developmental Behavioral
Pediatrics, 21, 81-86.
In determining the effect of chronic diseases on
eating attitudes and behavior, 84 women (ranging in
age from 11-34) diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus
or phenylketonuria (PKU) were surveyed. Seven
questionnaires were administered and analyzed.
Results imply no difference between diseases in
relation to the development of eating disorder symptoms,
but there was a significant difference between diseases
in eating patterns and behavior. Overall, chronic
diseases may influence the pathology of eating disorders.
Carruth, B. & Skinner, J. (2000). Bone mineral status
in adolescent girls: Effects of eating disorders and
exercise. Journal of Adolescent Health: Official
Publication of the Society of Adolescent
Medicine, 26, 322-329.
Carruth and Skinner hypothesized measures for bone
mineral density, energy levels, and body mass index
would be significantly lower in adolescents with a
history of an eating disorder. Based on their study
of 25 adolescents with a history of an eating disorder and
50 without such a history, it was determined that except
for body fat (one measure for BMD) there wasn’t a
significant difference between the two groups of
adolescents in respect to BMD, energy, and BMI.
Therefore, teenage girls who have fully recovered from
an eating disorder are capable of attaining normal bone
mass and body composition.
Daigneault, S. D. (2000). Body talk: A school-based
group intervention for working with disordered eating
behaviors.
Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 25, 191-213.
Half of today’s teenagers believe they are overweight
and diet without information on healthy weight and
nutrition. Onset of eating disorders is occurring
among younger youth than previously recorded. One
high school has taken the initiative in developing
a new intervention and counseling technique.
By combining a narrative and feminist approach, Body
Talk was created to recognize teens at risk, provide
guidelines, develop personal agency and empower self.
Structure and content of sessions are broken down and
thoroughly explained. In the future, research will
need to be conducted to determine the effectiveness
of Body Talk.
Dalzell, H.J. (2000). Whispers: The role of family
secrets in eating disorders. Eating Disorders: The Journal
of Treatment and Prevention, 8, 43-61.
A review of literature on family secrets and their
influence on familial communication and relationships
is introduced. Both positive and negative components
of secrets are provided. Families of anorexics and
bulimics are compared and contrasted to determine the
rationale of family secrets and their influence on the
development of eating disorders. Counseling entails
airing out secrets in order to establish healthy
communication among family members needed to combat
eating disorders.
Dare, C., & Eisler, I. (2000). A multi-family group
day treatment programme for adolescent eating disorder.
European Eating Disorders Review, 8, 4-18.
Dare and Eisler introduce a new treatment for teens
suffering from eating disorders. They address the
shortcomings of traditional family therapy,
particularly the incidence of relapse upon therapy
conclusion. An alternative therapy that integrates
typical day treatment and family therapy is presented.
Context and structure of a multi-family group day
treatment is laid out for the reader. Currently, there
is not enough data to draw any strong conclusions on
the effectiveness of this new therapy, but it has been
noted that patients have experienced improved symptom
management, decreased family tension, and positive
group exchange.
Emans, S.J. (2000). Eating disorders in
adolescent girls. Pediatrics International: Official
Journal of the Japan Pediatric Society, 42, 1-7.
It is difficult to measure the true incidence rate
of eating disorders due to denial and secrecy
associated with these conditions. They are
multifactoral disorders characterized by
psychological (comorbidity), biological
(neurotransmission, low leptin levels),
environmental (family and peer pressure), genetic
(twin studies, disorder history), and social
(media and the "ideal" image) components. Health
concerns, related to eating disorders, range from
dental erosion to sudden death. Comprehensive
prevention programs that address the factors or
components of eating disorders help to ensure
partial and full recovery.
Gullotta, T.P., Adams, G.R., &
Markstrom, C.A. (2000). The adolescent experience
(4th ed.). San Diego, CA: Academic Press.
In the adolescent world, looks determine social
status. Good looks are defined socially through
the media as thin. The ideal is thinness but
reality includes genetic and environmental factors
that determine the normal weight of an individual.
Losing weight to fit the ideal and gain social status
can all to often become an obsession among teenagers.
Five theories of eating disorders defined in this
book include psychoanalytic, behavioral, family
perspective, sociological, and genetic. Along with
these theories, prevention and treatment programs
are outlined. It is believed that increasing
society’s knowledge on eating disorders will lead
to a change in societal attitudes and behavior.
Harrison, K. (2000). The body electric:
thin-ideal media and eating disorders in adolescents.
Journal of Communication, 50, 119-143.
The purpose of this study was to determine the
overall relationship between thin-ideal media
exposure and eating disorders among adolescence.
Three hundred sixty six teens (male and female
from grades 6-12) were given a self-report survey
of television viewing, magazine exposure, and
body assessment. It was found that overall
exposure to the thin-ideal via media predicted
eating-disorder symptoms for older females
and body dissatisfaction among younger males. It
can be inferred that the media plays a strong
role in perpetuating the thin-ideal notion among
adolescents.
Heinze, V., Wertheim, E.H., & Kashima, Y. (2000).
An evaluation of the importance of message source and
age of recipient in a primary prevention program for
eating disorders. Eating Disorders: The Journal of
Treatment and Prevention, 8, 131-145.
Current prevention programs often increase
adolescent knowledge of eating disorders but
has little if any impact on negative
eating attitudes and behavior. In looking
at the influence of four different presenters
on 191 girls from the 7th and 10th grade, a
pre and post questionnaire was used to measure
eating disorder knowledge, nutrition, eating
attitudes, and intentional behavior.
The results indicate that primary prevention
was more effective on the younger students
based on the four variables measured, but the
identity of the presenter had no impact.
Huon, G. (2000). The gender and ses context
of weight-loss dieting among adolescent females.
Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment
and Prevention, 8, 147-155.
This study was performed to determine contextual
differences among female teenagers of various
dieting levels. In an effort to locate adolescents
at high-risk for eating disorders, 311 girls
representing four social groups (upper-middle class
of single sex schools, upper-middle class of coed
schools, working-middle class of single sex schools,
and working-middle of coed schools) were studied.
Results implied that more "serious" dieters existed
among females in the working-middle class of coed
schools group. These findings can be used to target
preventive measures to those most at risk.
Irving, L.M., & Cannon, R. (2000).
Starving for hope: Goals, agency, and pathways in
the development and treatment of eating disorder.
In C.R. Snyder (Ed.), Handbook of hope: Theory,
measures, and applications (pp. 261-283).
San Diego, CA: Academic Press.
Irving and Cannon provide a thorough description
of various eating disorders and their subtypes.
A treatment is devised by combining cognitive
behavior therapy (positive reinforcement
techniques targeting distorted thoughts about
food, eating, weight, and body shape) and feminist
therapy (identifies factors that perpetuate eating
disorders) into hope therapy. Hope therapy uses
goals, agency, and pathways to develop and
maintain treatment for and recovery of eating
disorders.
Karwautz, A., & Treasure, J. (2000).
Eating disorders. In P. Aggleton, J. Hurry,
& I. Warwick (Eds.), Young people and mental health (pp.73-90).
Chichester, England: John Wiley & Sons, LTD.
This chapter provides distinctive definitions for anorexia,
bulimia, and binge eating, as well as alarming statistics
associated with each eating disorder. Compounding factors,
early childhood characteristics, and comorbidity associated
with each disorder are discussed in an effort to determine
teens at risk for an eating disorder. Intervention tactics
ranging from self-help books and techniques to inpatient care
are broken down based on the intensity of the eating
disorder. It is suggested that prevention programs should
address risk factors related to specific disorders more
thoroughly to achieve a higher success rate.
Katzman, D.K., Golden, N.H., Neumark-Sztainer, D.,
Yager, J., & Strober, M. (2000). From prevention to
prognosis: Clinical research update on adolescent
eating disorders. Pediatric Research, 47, 709-712.
Based on the biopsychosocial model, professionals
in the field of psychology report on the
characteristics, prevention models, and
intervening possibilities of eating disorders.
Characteristics, or factors of disordered eating,
covered in this article include genetics, brain
structure, and the possible role of leptin
influencing eating behavior. Widespread prevention
at an individual, school, community, and societal
level is highly emphasized. The potential of
full recovery as a result of intervention concludes
this report.
Kendall, P.C. (2000). Childhood disorders.
Hove, East Sussex, UK: Psychology Press.
Eating disorders are described as an abnormal
desire to be thin. The emotional, behavioral,
and physical components of anorexia nervosa and
bulimia nervosa are explained in the text. In an
effort to understand anorexia and bulimia, a
diathesis-stress model is applied. A multifaceted
treatment that focuses on family, behavior, and
cognitive factors is prescribed.
Lask, B., & Bryant-Waugh, R. (2000). Anorexia
nervosa and related eating disorders in childhood
and adolescence (2nd ed.).
Hove, East Sussex, UK: Psychology Press.
Various eating disorders of adolescents are
studied in depth. Key characteristics that
distinguish this book from any other include
thorough explanations of epidemiology, aetiology,
and clinical therapy techniques. A complete
description of physical assessment and
complications of eating disorders are
also provided.
Miller, K.J., & Mizes J.S. (Eds.). (2000).
Comparative treatments for eating disorders.
New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company, Incorporated.
Miller and Mize provide an in-depth comparison of treatments
developed from various psychological perspectives. Clinicians
were asked to describe their diagnosis and therapy for a given
case study. Professionals representing numerous fields of
psychology defined their assessment, conceptualization, therapy,
client-patient relationship, treatment implementation, and
expected outcome. It was concluded an integrative approach
that understood a client’s interpersonal relationships, core
beliefs about self and other, and cognitive processes could be
implemented to increase client’s motivation to overcome a given
eating disorder.
Mitchell, K., & Carr, A. (2000). Anorexia and bulimia.
In A. Carr (Ed.), What works for children and adolescents?
A critical review of psychological interventions with children
(pp. 233-257). London: Routledge.
Provided in this chapter, are definitions and diagnostic criteria
for eating disorders based on the DSM IV and ICD 10. Key physical
deterioration linked to anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are
examined. Yet the main aspect of the chapter is to relate key
findings of a study performed to rank the success rate of various
treatments. Intervention programs that are included in this
research are family therapy, individual psychotherapy, family
and individual therapy combined, cognitive behavioral therapy,
multimodal inpatient treatment, and concurrent group therapy.
The pros and cons of each treatment are laid out in a clear format,
including tables, for the reader’s interpretation.
Mizes, J.S., & Miller, K.J. (2000). Eating disorders.
In M. Hersen & R.T. Ammerman (Eds.), Advanced Abnormal Child
Psychology (2nd ed., pp. 441-465). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence
Erlbaum Associates.
In the Western World there is an unrealistic weight ideal that
young women strive to meet. Women feel emotional, depressed,
ineffective, and body distress as they repeatedly fail to meet
this ideal. Eating disorders become a coping tool for their
immense psychological stress. Mizes and Miller examine the
onset, treatment, lapses, and recovery of those who suffer
from anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.
Social, psychological, and biological factors at each stage are
provided as a guide for disorder prediction and progression.
Moreno, J.K., Selby, M.J., Aved, K., & Besse, C. (2000).
Differences in family dynamics among anorexic, bulimic, obese
and normal women. Journal of Psychotherapy in Independent
Practice, 1, 75-87.
Past research indicates a significant relationship between poor
family communication and eating disorders. Two studies were
performed in an effort to eliminate interfering methodological
procedures and determine true family dynamics of anorexic,
bulimic, obese, and normal women. The first study used
FACES (Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scales) and the
second used PACS (Parent-Adolescent Communication Scale)
to measure family communication among the various groups
of women. Both studies indicated bulimic and obese women
reported more family dysfunctional communication than anorexic
women, who continually reported normal family cohesion.
Researchers provide a thorough explanation for their results
and suggest areas for further research.
Mussell, M.P., Binford, R.B., & Fulkerson, J.A. (2000).
Eating disorders: Summary of risk factors, prevention programming,
and prevention research. Counseling Psychologist, 28, 164-196.
Studying prevention programs is essential to develop an
effective intervention for eating disorders. Current programs
have demonstrated the ability to increase adolescents’
knowledge but has little impact, if any, on their attitudes
towards eating. By focusing on factors associated with disordered
eating (i.e. socioculture, personality, athletics, trauma, family,
and physiology), programs can be implemented to address the
environment eating disorders thrive within. The ideal prevention
program not only increases an adolescent’s knowledge, but also
promotes a positive attitude towards food and supports modifying
one’s environment to discourage disordered eating.
Neumaerker, K. (2000). Mortality rates and causes of death.
European Eating Disorders Review, 8, 181-187.
Although the origin or cause of an eating disorder is unclear,
it is still possible to gather statistics on the mortality
rate of eating disorders. It has been well documented that
anorexia nervosa carries the highest death rate of all
psychiatric illnesses. There are many health complications
associated to anorexia and bulimia making it difficult to
determine cause of death, but it is believed that complications
related to starvation and/or cahexia as well as suicide are
the main causes of death. Still a high percentage of
unexplained deaths exist among individuals who suffered
from an eating disorder.
Nicholls, D., & Stanhope, R. (2000).
Medical complications of anorexia nervosa in children
and young adults.
European Eating Disorders Review, 8, 170-180.
Bridging the physical and psychological aspects of anorexia
nervosa, Nicholls and Stanhope describe the medical complications
of this eating disorder. Suggestions for intervention and weight
gain are also provided. Medical complications should be
considered in the evaluation of adolescents with eating
disorders and used as a tool to educate those who are found
to be anorexic.
O’Dea, J. (2000). School-based interventions to
preventing eating problems: First do no harm. Eating
Disorders: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention,
8, 123-130.
Prevention of eating disorders among adolescents is
a key focus of health educators today. This article
suggests that traditional information-based programs
inadvertently promote poor body image that leads to
eating problems and/or eating disorders. It is
recommended that a self-esteem approach to improve
body image, create healthy eating habits, and introduce
regular physical activity will result in a higher
success rate of deterring eating disorders without
harmful or adverse effects.
Pearce, J. (2000). Eating disorders. In P. Aggleton,
J. Hurry, & I. Warwick (Eds.), Young people and mental
health (pp. 73-90). New York, NY: J. Wiley.
Pearce focuses on the demographics of eating disorders and
describes compounding factors found in teens at risk. Genetics,
early characteristics, comorbidity, and intervention programs
are discussed. It is believed that most prevention programs
today increase one’s knowledge about eating disorders but is
ineffective in changing attitudes towards eating. In this
chapter and example of a program that addresses the development
of risk factors is offered as an alternative.
Pike, K.M., Wolk, S.L., Gluck, M., & Walsh, B.T. (2000).
Eating disorders measures. In American Psychiatric
Association (Ed.), Handbook of psychiatric measures
(pp.647-671). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association.
Currently there are seven main instruments used to measure
eating disorders, eating pathology, behavior, and attitudes
in relation to assessment. Six self-report measures include
Eating Disorder Inventory, Body Shape Questionnaire, Three
Factor Eating Questionnaire, Mizes Anorectic Cognitions
Questionnaire, Bulimia Test-Revised, and Questionnaire on
Eating and Weight Patterns. The final measure is an interview.
A guide to selecting the appropriate measure is provided along
with a full description, practical issues in interpretation,
psychometric properties, clinical use, and suggested readings
related to each measure.
Rossier, V., Bolognini, M., Plancherel, B., &
Halfon, O. (2000). Sensation seeking: A personality trait
characteristic of adolescent girls and young women with
eating disorders? European Eating Disorders Review, 8, 245-252.
This study was performed to determine the relationship
between sensation seeking and eating disorder in all its
forms. Believing that binge eaters would have high
sensation seeking and restrictive anorexics would have
low sensation seeking, researchers interviewed 141 subjects
and analyzed their self-report sessions. No significant
difference was found between the various forms of binge
eaters but there was a significant difference in sensation
seeking between the bulimic, anorexic, and control group.
Bulimics scored unusually high on Thrill and Adventure
Seeking while anorexics scored particularly low on
Experience seeking. The implications of these results
include criteria for diagnosis, psychological trait for
aetiology and new techniques for therapy.
Schebendach, J., & Reichert-Anderson, P. (2000).
Nutrition in eating disorders. In L.K. Mahan, &
S. Escott-Stump (Eds.), Krause’s food, nutrition, & diet
therapy (pp. 516-533). Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders.
Traditional topics, such as history, diagnostic criteria,
epidemiology, and cormorbidity are defined. Yet, the main
focus is the pathophysiological aspect of eating disorders.
Before treating the emotional and mental symptoms of eating
disorders, the physical component must be addressed.
A nutritional assessment based on diet history, eating
behavior, and lab work is needed. Nutrition management
can be achieved through behavior modification but will not
be maintained unless an individual is educated about healthy
nutrition. A successful outcome of an eating disorder is
based on improvements in weight and diet habits, menstruation,
as well as in sexual, psychological, and social attitudes.
Sobanski, E., & Schmidt, M.H. (2000).
Body dysmorphic disorder: A review of current knowledge.
Child Psychology and Psychiatry Review, 5, 17-24.
Body dysmorphic disorder and eating disorders are
related in that they are characterized by a distorted
body image. The difference lies in that eating
disorders distort the whole body where body
dysmorphic disorder distorts a single aspect
of the body. It is possible that eating disorders
proceed BDD as a solution or treatment to improve
one's appearance.
Steinhausen, H.C., Boyadjieva, S., Grigoroiu-Serbanescu,
M., Seidel, R., & Winkler-Metzke, C. (2000).
A transcultural outcome study of adolescent eating disorders.
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 101, 60-66.
Studying eating disorders across three cultures to compare
and contrast amount of treatment, disorder outcome and
psychosocial functioning, and predictability of clinical
variables was the purpose of this study. Based on the
eating disorder criteria of the ICD-10, 156 patients
from Berlin, Sofia, and Burcharest were interviewed
in a 5-year follow up study. As a result, it was found
that eating disorders are similar across cultures but
psychosocial functioning differed according to cultural
background. Most patients spent a great deal of time
in treatment with a 68% recovery rate. The younger
the patient is at onset, the better the prognosis.
Unfortunately, clinical features had a low predictable
value meaning that the prognosis of a patient is
individualistic and problematic.
Striegel-Moore, R.H., & Smolak, L. (2000).
The influence of ethnicity on eating disorders in women.
In R.M. Eisler, M. Hersen (Eds.), Handbook of gender,
culture, and health (pp. 227-253).
Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
The chapter focuses on a correlation between ethnicity
and eating disorders. Generalities of eating disorders
are based on studies of white middle class young women.
Currently there is little research to draw conclusions
about ethnic impact on eating disorders, not to mention
levels of impact between various ethnic groups.
It has been documented that minorities experience
greater stressful life conditions due to discrimination,
identification, and acculturation. What is not known
is whether or not such conditions are associated with
eating disorders among minorities.
Teaching students with mental health disorders:
Resources for teachers. (2000). [Victoria]: British Columbia,
Ministry of Education, Special Programs Branch.
The goal of this book is to promote an understanding of eating
disorders among teachers. Information about students and
disorders can be used to identify students at risk and develop
support strategies. The book is divided into five sections
that define eating disorders, suggest identification and
referral tactics, provide teaching techniques for the topic
of eating disorders, present intervention strategies, and
offers a lengthy list of resources for additional information.
Thomsen, P.H. (2000). Obsessions: The impact and
treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder in children
and adolescents.
Journal of Psychopharmacology, 14, s31-s37.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder can be broken down into two
characteristics, obsession and compulsion. The obsession
is explained as distressful reoccurring thoughts and/or
mental images. Compulsions are repetative and somewhat
ritualistic behavior. Two percent of the population meets
the criteria for obsessive-compulsive disorder and of that
2%, females are at a high risk for developing comorbid
eating disorders.
Tomori, M., & Rus-Makovec, M. (2000). Eating behavior,
and self-esteem in high school students.
Journal of Adolescent Health, 26, 361-367.
In studying the eating habits of the general high
school population and diagnosed high school population,
researchers reported significant findings. Four
thousand seven hundred teens completed a self-report
questionnaire that categorized them as satisfied or
dissatisfied with their current weight. Next they
completed Zung’s Self-rating Depression Scale and
Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale. Data Analysis suggests
that teens that are dissatisfied with their weight
are more likely to demonstrate pathological eating
habits. The frequency of dysfunctional families,
low self-esteem, depression, suicidal thoughts, and
drug use are also more common among adolescents
dissatisfied with their weight. Whether weight
dissatisfaction leads to poor mental and physical
health or vice versa is debatable.
Turner, J., Batik, M., Palmer, L.J.,
Forbes, D., & McDermott, B.M. (2000). Detection and
importance of laxative use in adolescents with anorexia
nervosa. Journal of the American Academy of Child and
Adolescent Psychiatry, 39, 378-385.
Abusing laxatives is one form of purging found among
bulimics resulting in severe physical complications
due to electrolyte imbalances. This study focuses on
the relationship of laxative use among anorexics and
psychopathology, physical condition, and role of urinary
screening in assessment. Forty-three patients suffering
from anorexia nervosa were assessed via interviews,
self report questionnaires, physical exams, and urinary
screenings. It was found that laxative use (1) was
associated with longer duration and severity of disorder,
(2) resulted in medical complications, and (3) determined
largely by urinary screening in contradiction to
self-report.
Tyrka, A.R., Graber, J.A., & Brooks-Gunn, J. (2000).
The development of disordered eating: Correlates and
predictors of eating problems in the context of
adolescence. In A.J. Sameroff, M. Lewis, & S.M. Miller
(Eds.), Handbook of developmental
psychopathology (2nd ed., pp. 607-624).
New York, NY: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers.
When the predisposing factors associated with eating
disorders are plotted on a continuum or course of an
eating disorder, it is found that severity corresponds
with disordered eating. Adolescence is a critical
period of rapid physical, social, and psychological
change. An individual’s inability to cope with the
changes associated with puberty can be represented on
a continuum that measures eating patterns. Interpreting
the continuum is useful in defining the subtypes of
disordered eating and predicting full-scaled eating
disorders.
Vincent M.A., & McCabe, M.P. (2000). Gender
differences among adolescents in family, and peer
influences on body dissatisfaction, weight loss, and
binge eating behaviors.
Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 29, 205-221.
Studying the influence of family and peers on adolescent
body dissatisfaction, weight loss, and binge eating behavior,
researchers surveyed 306 teens. Survey analysis was
performed to determine whether the nature of interaction
or quality of relationship could predict an eating disorder.
In boys it was found that encouragement to lose weight from
parents and friends was a leading variable to developing an
eating disorder. Among girls, discussion about weight loss
with parents and peers was a strong variable. Therefore the
nature of interaction is a stronger variable than quality
of relationship in teens developing an eating disorder.
Wassenaar, D., le Grange, D., Winship, J.,
& Lachenicht, L. (2000). The prevalence of eating disorder
pathology in a cross-ethnic population of females students
in South Africa.
European Eating Disorders Review, 8, 225-236.
A small percentage of teens are used in this study of
ethnicity and social economic status in relation to eating
disorder pathology and body mass index. Marked differences
were found among various ethnic groups from various economic
classes. These findings contradict the widely accepted
theory of eating disorders being a Western societal illness.
Weeramanthri, T., & Keaney, F. (2000). What do inner
city general practitioners want from a child and adolescent
mental health service?
Psychiatric Bulletin, 24, 258-160.
It is estimated one in five children suffer from a
psychological disorder, yet only a small percentage
see a mental health specialist. Since most disorders
carry a physical component, general practitioners are
sought out first for treatment and have an opportunity
to diagnose disorders. Most practitioners though have
little or no training in children and adolescent
mental health. An interview of 25 general practitioners
revealed that few referrals were made to mental health
centers and training in diagnosing child abuse and eating
disorders was desirable as well as quick access to centers.
Suggestions for improving communication between primary
and secondary care are included in this research.
Wright, K. (2000). The secret and all-consuming
obsessions: Eating disorders. In D. Capuzzi, &
D.R. Gross (Eds.), Youth risk: A prevention resource
for counselors, teachers, and parents (3rd ed.,
pp. 197-242). Alexandria, VA: American Counseling
Association.
Historically, society has influenced the body image of
the ideal women from voluptuous to emaciated. Today the
media defines feminine self-worth based on thinness and
attractiveness. A longitudinal study of Playboy and Miss
America has concluded that models and contestants are
decreasing in weight and size while increasing in height.
The goal of this article is to explore the occurrence of
eating disorders among diverse populations of ethnicity,
gender, sexuality, and athletics.
Net Resources:
Academy for Eating Disorders
http://www.acadeatdis.org
American Anorexia Bulimia Association, Inc.
http://www.aabainc.org
American Psychiatric Association
http://www.psych.org
Eating Disorders Association
http://www.edauk.com
Eating Disorders Association (QLD) Resource Center
http://www.uq.net.au/eda/documents/about.html
Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention
http://www.edap.org
Internet Mental Health
http://www.mentalhealth.com
Medem - Healthcare Information from National Medical Societies
http://medem.com
Mind (National Association for Mental Health)
http://www.min.org.uk
National Institute of Mental Health
http://www.nimh.nig.gov
- - -
Christy Valentine currently works as a reference librarian in
the Science Library at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming.
Her main interests lie in accessing information pertinent to the
study of human nature. Christy is affiliated with the American
Library Association, Association of College and Research Library,
Mountain Plains Library Association, and Wyoming Library Association.
In the future, Christy intents to continue a study of information
resources related to adolescent development.
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