Psychosocial Risk Factors for Eating Disorders

Abstract

The objective of this chapter is to provide an updated overview of risk factors for eating disorders on the basis of the risk factor taxonomy described by Kraemer et al. (1997). The chapter summarizes risk factors identified in longitudinal studies and markers and retrospective correlates from cross-sectional studies through April 2002 for the eating disorder syndromes anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Limitations of these earlier studies are indicated. As part of an update of the previous analysis, results of studies identified between May 2002 and November 2008 are integrated into results of our earlier review. The updated review indicates that longitudinal evidence on risk factors is still much stronger for bulimia nervosa and binge related syndromes, whereas our knowledge of risk factors for anorexia nervosa remains limited. While recent studies were able to overcome some of the limitations of the earlier studies, results of our earlier review are mostly confirmed.

Cross‐cultural examination of beliefs about the causes of bulimia nervosa among Australian and Japanese females

“…23,27,28 The current sample of Australian women was also found to strongly endorse the socio-cultural pressure component, which contained causal explanations relating to confirmed risk factors such as internalization of the thin ideal and body/weight concerns. 29 This finding is consistent with the results of previous research 23 and is not surprising given that the discourse on BN in Western countries is often dominated by sociocultural explanations. 30 The third most endorsed group of causal explanations was that contained within the dieting and eating practices component indicating that Australian women are aware of the poor eating and dieting practices/attitudes that are often associated with BN.…”

A systematic review of interventions on body image and disordered eating outcomes among women in midlife

“…5,[8][9][10] For example, inpatient admissions of North American midlife women increased significantly between 1989 and 2007. 5 Body dissatisfaction is the most potent and replicated modifiable risk factor for eating pathology among girls and women, 11 and therefore constitutes an important target for intervention efforts. Concerns regarding weight and shape are prominent among women in midlife.…”

Prevention Across the Spectrum: a randomized controlled trial of three programs to reduce risk factors for both eating disorders and obesity

“…Taken collectively, there were four key findings that emerged from this RCT. First, the 12-month follow-up findings for both Media Smart and HELPP for weight and shape concerns were promising given that this is one of the most important risk factors for disordered eating (McKnight Investigators, 2003;Jacobi & Fittig, 2010). The finding that Media Smart girls had half the rate of onset of control girls of clinical concerns about shape and weight at the 12-month follow-up provides a step towards the clinically relevant outcomes investigated in targeted prevention trials (e.g.…”