Eating Disorders

UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN
MARACAS ROYAL ROAD, MARACAS, ST. JOSEPH.

P.O.B 175, Port of Spain, Trinidad, W.I.
ASSIGNMENT WEEK 6:2- Eating Disorders
An Assignment
Presented in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Course
PSYC460-01 Psychology of Abnormal Behavior
INSTRUCTOR: - Vanessa Samlalsingh
By
Saralee Sookoo
Date
October 8, 2023
Approval……………….
EATING DISORDERS 1
Eating Disorders
Countless individuals around the globe struggle with the complicated and diverse
conditions which constitute eating disorders. While symptoms of various disorders may differ,
eating disorders can generally be characterized by recurring problems with dietary practices,
perceptions of one's body, and weight management that are detrimental to both physical and
emotional health. According to Durand & Barlow (2013), there are multiple biological,
psychological, and social factors that can contribute to the development of severe eating
disorders.
Some of the social dimensions which can influence the development of eating disorders
may include cultural norms, media influences, peer pressure, family influences, and dieting.
These aspects may influence how people absorb societal standards and expectations for success,
slimness, and attractiveness, leading to feelings of discontent or inadequacy. While expectations
have changed over time, the beauty standards, especially for women, are becoming increasingly
challenging to attain. Eating disorders continue to be a common consequence of the war between
culture and physiology. Additionally, because of their physical characteristics or conduct, people
with eating disorders may also encounter social exclusion, judgment, prejudice, or bullying.
Genetic components, similarly to most psychological disorders, is one of the main
biological dimensions which can result in an eating disorder (Durand & Barlow, 2013). The
possibility that general personality characteristics like emotional instability and maybe poor
impulse control may be transmitted has been speculated. Furthermore, biological processes have
a significant role in controlling one's eating habits and, by extension, eating disorders,
Significant research also reveals the involvement of the hypothalamus in this process.
EATING DISORDERS 2
Low self-esteem, perfectionism and anxiety among other psychological factors may also
contribute to eating disorders (Durand & Barlow, 2013). These elements can influence the
manner in which individuals view their bodies, their surroundings, and themselves, which may
lead to skewed thought, negative sentiments, and unhealthy coping mechanisms. People who
struggle with eating disorders may turn to food and weight as a way to compensate for
psychological anguish or as a means of controlling their life.
Although I do not have any first hand experience with eating disorders, the NEDA
(2018), lists a number of ways in which they may affect an individual’s sense of self. Firstly, no
matter one's actual size or shape, eating disorders can skew one's perception of their physical
appearance, causing them to believe they are overweight, underweight, or otherwise imperfect.
Low self-esteem, embarrassment, guilt, and discontentment with one's looks can result from this.
Furthermore, particularly throughout adolescence and early adulthood, when people are
discovering different facets of their character and their responsibilities in life, eating disorders
can hinder the development of one's identity. In addition to preventing people from pursuing
their hobbies, aspirations, and relationships, eating disorders can make a person feel
disconnected, overlooked, or alienated from those around them (NEDA, 2018).
Eating disorders are neither a choice nor a way of life; they are severe mental disorders
that must receive expert intervention. A complex combination of distinctive biological,
psychological, and social variables affects the emergence of eating disorders. Being aware of the
possible risks of the development of these types of disorders can aid in their prevention as well
as encourage recovery.
EATING DISORDERS 3
References
Durand, V. M., & Barlow, D. H. (2013). Essentials of Abnormal Psychology (6th ed.). Jon-David
Hague.
NEDA. (2018). Identity & Eating Disorders. National Eating Disorders Association.
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/identity-eating-disorders

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UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN

MARACAS ROYAL ROAD, MARACAS, ST. JOSEPH.

ASSIGNMENT WEEK 6:2- Eating Disorders

INSTRUCTOR: - Vanessa Samlalsingh

slimness, and attractiveness, leading to feelings of discontent or inadequacy. While expectations

Genetic components, similarly to most psychological disorders, is one of the main

psychological anguish or as a means of controlling their life.

disconnected, overlooked, or alienated from those around them (NEDA, 2018).

that must receive expert intervention. A complex combination of distinctive biological,

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