...Head: ANOREXIA NERVOSA Introduction Anorexia nervosa is a psychological illness whereby the victims are afraid of their weight gain, causing them to rapid to extreme weight loss. Victims with anorexia prohibit or limit themselves from taking food, as well as their behaviors in life spheres beyond food and eating. Some anorexia victims will slowly grow anxiety or hatred towards food in a period of time. Some anorexia victims will not reject the intake of food but they would dig their throat so that they would vomit the food out in order to keep their body in their ideal shape. There are a lot of factors that contributes towards anorexia nervosa. In physical aspect, they are too sensitive about their weight so they limit their intake of food daily. On behavioral aspect, they cannot accept the fact that people are thinner than them so they rely on diet pills to control their weight, do excessive exercise or diuretic abuse. According to medicinenet.com, approximately 95% of those affected by anorexia are female, during their adolescent stage. Male do develop anorexia nervosa at some point of their lives but it is significantly lower percentage compare to females. There are two types of anorexia nervosa. Restrictive types, whereby they limit the food intake, have intense weight control. Purging type is depending on medications such as laxatives to make sure that the weight is the ideal ones. There are a lot of differences if an individual is trying to diet and anorexia. For instances...
Words: 2890 - Pages: 12
...sometimes plagued, with the “ideal” look of a woman, or man. Adolescents whom are idolizing models in magazines, movies, and televisions that give them the false realization that every person, should look like they look, or should fit in clothing like they do. Seeing these unrealistic, usually photo shopped, beauties give an average person, or even overweight person, a notion that in some way they are less than beautiful or glamorous than they are. While most people can shrug off these kinds of stereotypes or feelings of looking like these models, others are haunted by the thought and are constantly obsessed with looking like and compromising their own view for society’s view of being “perfect”. This way of thinking not only affects how they feel about their looks, but also affects their outlook on the every aspect of their lives; whether it is academics, sports, or comparing to others in their family. High energy and fast paced lifestyles have made family interaction a minimal experience and leading kids towards the road of self destruction. Rumney (2009) states that, Anorexia Nervosa, is psychological disorder in which an individual deliberately and willfully starves themselves, engaging in “relentless pursuit of thinness” that can be fatal (p. 16). While according to Snyder (2009), Anorexia nervosa is the most common psychiatric diagnoses in young women today (p. 1). She also states that 1% of Voss 2 adolescent females, which translates to 7 million, in the United States...
Words: 1984 - Pages: 8
...Abstract Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder which is associated with several adolescent and young adult. This disorder is usually associated with female adolescents, and it is very difficult for an individual to notice that an adolescent has bulimia nervosa. Many adolescents are suffering from bulimia because of poor perception them about themselves, and the media also has great influence for the cause of bulimia. There is a high increase for adolescents who are suffering from bulimia and majority seek help whiles others battle with this disorder without being notice. There are several options for treatment but parent and family has a great influence in treatment for an adolescent with this disorder. The Christian has a little influence on bulimia nervosa and eating disorder among adolescents, because they are more focused on teenager’s alcohol and drugs. Topic Paper: Adolescence and Bulimia Nervosa Most adolescent believe in having good body image. For the adolescent a good image is being skinny, and having size two body types as seem on television. Body image is the subjective concept of an adolescent physical appearance based on their self-observation and their reaction with others. Adolescence perception about their self is based on their inner sensations and functioning as well as their function derived from external environment. Since most adolescents want to have the perfect body type, they will do anything to have the right body image. Most teenagers role...
Words: 1819 - Pages: 8
...achieving the perfect physical imagine. Now it also means power, fame, money and most of all attention. Today media has a negative influence on our body image. Body image is not only about how a person physically looks but also how the individual feels about himself. How society presents not only a perfect body but a healthy one, the ideals have tremendously changed in the past decade. Now we are being forced to meet unrealistic body types and looks in order to fit in and love ourselves. The media exposes super model images on television, ads, magazines and even the radio making us believe these deceptive images. According to article Food and Body Image, in a 1992 article in the Journal of Communication, it was estimated that on average adolescents see more than 5,260 “attractiveness messages” each year. And according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) fact sheet “Tool Kit for Teen Care, Second Edition,” models are generally 25 percent thinner than the national average weight and represent only 5 percent of the population (Gale 303). It is difficult of the rest of the population to compete with this. According to Gale in Food and Body Image, the media has not only given us this image of a perfect body is, but...
Words: 1780 - Pages: 8
...needs of the individuals suffering these disorders are; anorexia, bulimia, binge eating Anorexia nervosa Anorexia means ‘loss of appetite from nervous origins’ suffers say that they do not feel hungry, though recovered sufferers do admit that they were very hungry, but did not allow themselves to eat. When a person suffers with this condition they become fixated on their body weight and dieting. They live in fear of normal body weight so are continually pushing themselves towards becoming thinner. Sufferers of this condition can be fanatical with food but they will refuse themselves healthy meals and follow strict diets to make sure they lose as much weight as possible. Anorexia sufferers do not think that there is anything wrong with the amount of weight they have lost even when others see them as being extremely thin. People who have anorexia often have very low self confidence and feel the more weight they lose the better they look so the better they feel about themselves. Sufferers often exercise to the extreme and may force themselves to vomit or use laxatives. Women who suffer with anorexia often find that their menstrual cycle stops. This illness is better to be dealt with as soon as possible as the more the illness progresses the more difficult it can be to deal with. In serious cases a spell in hospital may be needed as anorexia suffers can take their dieting so far that it can result in death. Treatment of anorexia involves three main phases: * To regain the weight...
Words: 2045 - Pages: 9
...Anorexia: The Role of Media Hillary Indako University Of Nairobi Eating disorders have a higher mortality rate than any other mental illness. As many as 20 percent of those who suffer from anorexia will die prematurely from complications related to their eating disorder, including suicide and heart problems. While there are many possible causes and triggers for these disorders, the media’s influence on body image cannot be overlooked. The media has been playing a central role on the growth of eating disorders such as anorexia. As adolescents we are convinced with images and messages that tend to further the idea that to be happy and successful we must be slim. Nowadays, It is nearly impossible to open a newspaper or listen to the radio, or turn on a TV without being confronted with the ideas that to be fat is to be undesirable. When adolescents feel as though their breasts, weight or hips don’t match up to those of supermodels and actors, they feel fatally feel secure. This in turn makes to feel insecure about their body image and thus resulting in this eating disorder. Surveys show that there is plenty of evidence demonstrating that the media encourages slimness and weight loss and over-emphasize the importance of beauty and appearances. It appears that beauty and fashion magazines significantly impact the process of identity development in young women, especially with regards to gender-role learning, identity formation, and the development of values and beliefs (Arnett...
Words: 936 - Pages: 4
...disorders are characterized by a compulsive fixation with food, body weight, or self-image. This disorder is becoming more and more prevalent in the United States partially due to the media’s portrayal of what might be considered attractive. But the images of unrealistic “skinny” women that is shown on television, in magazines and across the Internet is only a small part of the contributing factors to eating disorders. Other contributing factors include “…low self-esteem, depression, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation” (Sue, Sue & Sue, 2009, p.445). Eating disorders not only affect adolescents but adults also. Both men a and women suffer from eating disorders, however women and girls are more likely to have a negative self image and engage in disordered eating patterns. Even though the population of the United States is becoming heavier, women are increasingly putting an emphasis on being thinner. Men also affected by distorted eating patterns, however with male adolescents and college-aged boys weight dissatisfaction revolves around being heavier and more muscular. When a person has a distorted eating pattern it could lead to other serious disorders like bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, or binge eating. Anorexia nervosa is an “eating disorder characterized by low body weight, an intense fear of becoming obese, and body image distortion” (Sue, Sue & Sue, 2009 p.446). Some of the symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa is a refusal to maintain a body weight above the minimal normal...
Words: 1319 - Pages: 6
...healthy and positive attitude toward their body image. The research question that I raised is how do TV advertisements and fashion magazine affect 15-30 years old women to build their self-esteem and body image view in the U.S.? More specifically, I will examine the various aspects of negative effects that the television and fashion magazines bring to the 15-30 years old women. I proposed that the negative effects that television and fashion magazines bring to young women is more serious than people expected. I do intend to cite the relatively few statistic data and clinical studies that have been conducted on media’s negative effects on women’s body image. My audience will be the 15-30 years old women who do not aware enough of the problem that I describe or who was struggled by the problem that I describe for a long time. Nowadays, a woman’s identity is linked strongly to her physical appearance. In this situation, coverage of women in media mostly concerns women’s appearance and set them as sexual objects. Most social commentators agree that the media reflects current social norms (Grogan, 1999). Body image is the picture of the size, shape, and form of people’s bodies that people see in their mind’s eye (Honigman & Castle, 2007). It is also central to the self-concept and to self-esteem, influencing psychological functions and diverse behaviors (Cash & Pruzinsky, 2002; Halliwell & Dittmar, 2006). Therefore, women, especially those who are under 40, are most...
Words: 2939 - Pages: 12
...Anorexia in Adolescence Felicia N. Hill Columbus Technical College Author Note This paper was prepared for Introductory Psychology 1101 taught by Professor Cyrus. Abstract Bizarre, devastating, and baffling are three words that describe the anorexia nervosa disease. By definition, anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in which a normal-weight person diets and becomes significantly underweight, yet, still feeling fat, continue to starve themselves. People with this disorder are suppressing a strong desire to eat, because they are afraid of becoming fat. Anorexia is characterized by extreme starvation that leads to a disastrous loss of weight. Anorexia nervosa affects a large number of people today in the world, and does not discriminate against anybody. This research paper shows how dangerous and life-threatening anorexia is on adolescence, as well as, how self-image, family issues, and the media influence anorexia. Anorexia in Adolescence Adolescence is a chaotic time in the life of a growing teenager in which he or she experiences many physical as well as emotional changes. Not knowing where they stand in the world yet and trying to figure themselves out, adolescents may fall subject to influences and become victims of such horrible things as eating disorders. During adolescence a major importance in life is to be accepted and to fit in somewhere which brings about the issue of eating disorders. In order for them to be accepted and feel as if they are able to...
Words: 2010 - Pages: 9
...Outline and evaluate psychological explanations for anorexia nervosa [20 marks]. Behavioural explanations of anorexia nervosa (AN) suggest that slimming becomes a ‘habit’, through stimulus response mechanisms. For example, the person does on a diet and receives praise either for their efforts or their new slimmer appearance. Operant conditioning then takes effect as the admiration from others further reinforces their dieting behaviour. Rewards may also come in the form of attention gained from parents by not eating. Behavioural psychologists also propose anorexia as a phobia concerning the possibility of gaining weight. The portrayal of thin models on TV and in magazines is a significant contributory factor in body image concerns and the drive for thinness among Western adolescent girls. Jones and Buckingham found people with low self-esteem are more likely to compare themselves to idealised images portrayed in the media. Garner et al (1980) noted that the winners of Miss America and the centrefolds in Playboy magazine have consistently been below the average female weight and have become significantly more so since 1959. Thus the slender female perceived as being the cultural ideal might be one cause of the fear of being fat. A study by Becker of adolescent Fijian girls found that after the introduction of television to the island, these girls stated a desire to lose weight and to b like the women they saw on Western television; this lead to a significant increase in eating...
Words: 669 - Pages: 3
...one psychological explanation and one biological explanation of one eating disorder. (8 marks + 16 marks) Anorexia is an eating disorder of abnormal weight loss dropping below 85% of what was previously considered normal. This is characterised by low blood pressure, amenorrhoea and depression, as well as other bodily changes. Anorexia is caused by strict controls on weight and unusual eating habits which can be explained through both psychological and biological explanations. The psychological explanation of anorexia is explained through cultural ideas in the media which portrays thin models on TV and magazines. This is a significant contributory factor in body image concerns and the drive for thinness among Western adolescent girls. Research by Jones and Buckingham found that people with low self-esteem are more likely to compare themselves to idealised imagines portrayed in the media. There is a wealth of evidence to support the view that the mass media portrays slender as a beauty ideal which people strive to follow. For instance, Goresz et al (2001) reviewed 25 studies and showed that this ideal causes bodily dissatisfaction and contributes to the development of eating disorders, particularly affecting girls aged 19 and below. Furthermore, there also comes support from a natural observation carried out by Becker et al (2002) in a study of Fijian adolescents. It was found that after the introduction of television to an island, these girls stated a desire to lose weight...
Words: 839 - Pages: 4
...Bibliography Eating Disorders: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge-Eating 3 Anorexia Nervosa: A Guide to Recovery 3 Beating Ana: How to Outsmart your Eating Disorder and Take Your Life Back 3 Beginner’s Guide to Eating Disorders Recovery 3 *Biting the Hand That Starves You 4 *Bulimia: A Guide to Recovery 4 Eating Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence, 3rd Ed. 4 Eating Disorders: Journey to Recovery Workbook 4 *Desperately Seeking Self: An Inner Guidebook For People With Eating Problems 5 *Life without ED: How One Woman Declared Independence from Her Eating Disorder and How You Can Too 5 Overcoming Overeating 6 *Overcoming Binge Eating 6 *The Anorexia Workbook: How To Accept Yourself, Heal Your Suffering, And Reclaim Your Life 6 *The Overcoming Bulimia Workbook 7 *Skinny Boy: A Young Man’s Battle and Triumph Over Anorexia 7 When Dieting Becomes Dangerous: A Guide to Understanding and Treating Anorexia and Bulimia……………7 Body Image and Self-Esteem 8 *Body Image Workbook: An 8-step Program For Learning To Like Your Looks (2nd Ed.) 8 *Body Love: Learning to Like Our Looks and Ourselves 8 *Feeling Good About the Way You Look………………………..……………………………..8 Girls Rock: Wise Teens Offer Tweens and Moms Advice on Healthy Body Image, Self-Esteem, and Personal Empowerment.9 Life Doesn’t Begin Five Pounds From Now 9 Love your Body: Change the Way You Feel about the Body You Have 9 *Self Esteem Comes In All Sizes 9 Healthy...
Words: 6359 - Pages: 26
...There are 4 main characteristics that are caused by anorexia nervosa, and they are all serious health issues. Sufferers of AN will get anxiety and have an excessive fear of being fat and putting on weight. However, the opposite happens as they lose weight as a consequence of starving themselves. If their weight drops below 85% of their average weight then they will be diagnosed with AN. They have body image distortion and see themselves as fat, rather than their real image, which is bad for their self esteem and extends their disorder. Amenorrhoea occurs and after 3 months, it is a clinical characteristic of anorexia, because the lack of nutrition means your body wouldn't be prepared to provide for a baby to it stops the menstrual cycle. The media is full of thin models and air brushed photographs which portrays thin as the 'perfect' body image. Adolescents with low self-esteem- particularly females- are largely influenced by this and compare themselves to the images of models and celebrities (Jones and Buckingham 2005). This can lead to girls losing weight to reach the 'perfect' image that their idols have. This is supported by Becker (2002) who studied teenage girls from Fiji and found that after the introduction of T.V. in 1995, the girls stated that they wanted to have the figures of the actresses and lose weight. Not only does it show media effects, but it shows it is applicable to other cultures who are usually less exposed to media. However it has been found that giving...
Words: 1009 - Pages: 5
...Anorexia is an eating disorder of abnormal weight loss dropping below 85% of what was previously considered normal. This is characterised by low blood pressure, amenorrhoea and depression, as well as other bodily changes. Anorexia is caused by strict controls on weight and unusual eating habits which can be explained through both psychological and biological explanations. The psychological explanation of anorexia is explained through cultural ideas in the media which portrays thin models on TV and magazines. This is a significant contributory factor in body image concerns and the drive for thinness among Western adolescent girls. Research by Jones and Buckingham found that people with low self-esteem are more likely to compare themselves to idealised imagines portrayed in the media. There is a wealth of evidence to support the view that the mass media portrays slender as a beauty ideal which people strive to follow. For instance, Goresz et al (2001) reviewed 25 studies and showed that this ideal causes bodily dissatisfaction and contributes to the development of eating disorders, particularly affecting girls aged 19 and below. Furthermore, there also comes support from a natural observation carried out by Becker et al (2002) in a study of Fijian adolescents. It was found that after the introduction of television to an island, these girls stated a desire to lose weight and be like the Western women on the television. This study can be praised for being extremely high...
Words: 266 - Pages: 2
...William Kuschner SOC 228 Over the past few decades, there has been a great increase in the prevalence of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. This increase in eating disorders has resulted from the intense societal pressure to diet and conform to an unrealistic weight and body size. For the general population of women, the lifetime prevalence of anorexia nervosa is approximately 0.7%, and that of bulimia nervosa is as high as 10.3%. Since many athletes contain similar behaviors to those with eating disorders, there has also been an increase in interest in whether athletes are at a risk for eating disorders. An increased risk of eating disorders among athletes has been proposed for several reasons. For starters, athletes tend to exemplify many personality characteristics such as perfectionism and striving for high achievement which is found in patients with eating disorders. Other factors include high self-expectation, competitiveness, compulsiveness, drive, self-motivation, and great pressure to be thin. In order to improve performance, athletes may need to maintain a strong control and constantly monitor their body shape. This behavior has been identified as a risk factor for both anorexia and bulimia. In addition to the societal pressure to be thin, athletes have extra pressure for increased performance and ranking, which make them more cautious of their body size and shape, leading them to become more susceptible for eating disorders. Although these characteristics...
Words: 2254 - Pages: 10
