BackgroundIn this study, we examined perceptions regarding the causes of eating disorders, both among those with eating disorders as well as those without. By understanding the differences in perceived causes between the two groups, better educational programs for lay people and those suffering from eating disorders can be developed.MethodThis study used open-ended questions to assess the beliefs of 57 individuals with self-reported eating disorders and 220 without. Participants responded to the questions, “What do you think was (were) the cause(s) of your eating disorder?” and “What do you think is (are) the cause(s) of eating disorders?”.ResultsA list of possible codes for the causes of eating disorders was created based on a thorough review of the literature. A manually-generated set of eight codes was then created from individuals' actual responses. Frequencies and chi square analyses demonstrated differences in rates of endorsement between those with eating disorders and those without. Participants with eating disorders most frequently endorsed psychological/emotional and social problems, with genetics/biology and media/culture ideals least endorsed. Participants without eating disorders most frequently endorsed psychological/emotional problems and media/culture ideals, with traumatic life events and sports/health least endorsed. There was a difference between groups in the endorsement of the media as a cause of eating disorders, suggesting that those without eating disorders may overly attribute the media as the main cause while those with eating disorders may not be fully aware of the media’s impact. Additionally, while both groups highly endorsed psychological/emotional problems, there was a noticeable stigma about eating disorders among those without eating disorders.ConclusionsThere were noteworthy differences between samples; such differences suggest that there is a need for more education on the topic of eating disorders. Furthermore, despite empirical support for the effects of genetics, sports, and family factors, these were infrequently endorsed as causes of eating disorders by both groups. Our results suggest that there is a need for more education regarding the factors associated with eating disorders, in order to reduce the stigma surrounding these disorders and to potentially aid the treatment process.

Recent research has suggested that both maternal and paternal warmth may play a role in the development of drive for thinness in girls. This study used 115 adolescent girls' self-reports to examine the impact of the combined effect of parental warmth and pressure to be thin on adolescent girls' drive for thinness, dependent on whether or not parents had similar or differing levels of warmth. Using path analysis, results suggested that when parents had differing levels of warmth, the relationship between warmth and drive for thinness was fully mediated by pressure to be thin. However, when parents had similar levels of warmth, there was still a direct effect between parental warmth and girls' drive for thinness, indicating that partial mediation had occurred. These findings indicate that the combined effect of parents who are high in warmth may serve as a protective factor against poor body image in adolescent girls.iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank my parents, whose steadfast support of me and my education has meant more to me than I think I could ever properly convey in a single sentence.

Background: While the negative and positive outcomes of pro-eating disorder groups have been well-documented, more research is needed on the effects of pro-recovery communities. In particular, a gap in knowledge remains surrounding users’ feelings about their experiences in such communities. Using open-ended questions, we interviewed those involved in the recovery community on the social media site Tumblr, to determine how the community helped/did not help with recovery, and how it made them feel about recovery. Methods: Participants (n = 29) answered a series of Likert and open-ended questions. The open-ended questions were examined using thematic analysis to learn about users’ lived experiences. Results: When asked if/how the community helped with recovery, positive themes of “not alone,” “motivation,” and “encouragement” were identified, as were negative themes of “competition” and “triggering content.” When asked if the community made them feel better or worse about their recovery, a theme of comparison was identified, with two subthemes: positive and negative. In addition, a theme of type of content was found. Conclusions: Participants believed the community was helpful and made them feel better about recovery, with some caveats. Recovery communities on unmoderated sites or social media applications may be useful tools during the recovery process.

Introduction: Although Barbies are heavily criticized for their unattainable bodies, research has not thoroughly examined the long-lasting effects of playing with Barbies in childhood on women’s later body image. In the present study, we examined whether the frequency of play with Barbies, number of Barbies owned, enjoyment when playing with Barbies, and age at first play with Barbies were associated with women’s body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, and dieting behaviors. Methods: Female young adults (n=68) who had played with Barbies as children responded to surveys. Results: We found that only age at first play with Barbies in childhood was associated with greater drive for thinness in adulthood; no other Barbie variable was associated with body image. Conclusions: These findings suggest that girls who begin playing with Barbies at a young age may be susceptible to developing a greater internalization of the thin ideal. It is important that girls and parents be aware that Barbies do not represent an ideal body to match. Keywords: Barbie; dolls; disordered eating; drive for thinness

Introduction. Educational policies in the United States addressing eating disorders are lacking, despite noted increases in risk factors such as body dissatisfaction that occur throughout students' education. Similarly, there seems to be no available scientific information on the potential effects of this lack of education. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the type, amount, and frequency of information regarding eating disorders that college students recalled receiving throughout their educational careers. Methods. The sample consisted of 43 participants, mostly female, from a tri-college area in the Midwestern U.S. Ten qualitative focus groups were conducted in order to assess a wide range of eating disorder topics, including education about eating disorders. The four education-related codes generated using thematic analysis by the researchers were: When participants learned about eating disorders, when they wish they learned, what they learned, and what they wish they learned. Results. The majority of participants indicated only receiving occasional information in a health class if at all, and this often did not occur until mid-to-late adolescence, which is problematic as the risk factors for eating disorders would have begun years earlier. Most information centered on simplistic definitions of Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa. Participants said that education should be more in depth than simple definitions, and noted that this information should begin early in elementary school (ages 6-10). Participants also stated that they wished they had known more of the warning signs and how to seek help, as well as how to approach and help someone else. Conclusions. This study shows how the U.S. education system may fail to inform youths about the risks for and consequences of eating disorders, potentially leaving them vulnerable to developing unhealthy habits. The data provide suggestions for future educational efforts, namely that information should start in schools in early childhood, as information later in their educational careers may be too late. Keywords: Education, eating disorders, prevention, public policy