Women and Bulimia: A Review of Psychological Factors

Paper Summary:

This paper reviews recent studies that attempt to identify the psychological factors body dissatisfaction, self-esteem, perfectionism and abuse associated with bulimia nervosa and women. While perfectionism and abuse have been hypothesized as risk factors in the multifactorial model of bulimia, body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem seem to contribute more to bulimic behavior. However, the processes that might account for such a link are not yet well understood. The review of literature aids in developing a framework for further research and treatment.

From the Paper:

"In the past 20 years, the prevalence of eating disorders has increased dramatically, where approximately 90 percent of patients suffering from an eating disorder are female aged 15 to 29. The two main types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa (more commonly known as anorexia and bulimia). Their prevalence estimates tend to range from about 3 to 10 percent of women with bulimic patients outnumbering anorexic patients by at least 2 to 1. Both can lead to a wide range of physical health complications, including serious heart conditions and kidney failure, which may lead to death. In the United States, they appear to be about as common in Hispanic women as in Caucasians, more common among Native Americans, and less common among blacks and Asians."

More papers on Women and Bulimia: A Review of Psychological Factors:

• Book Review # 87691 : "A Review of the Readings"
• Comparison Essay # 4349 : "A Review of Edwidge Danticat's "Breath, Eyes, Memory"
• Book Review # 109159 : "A Review of Mary Lovell's "The Sound of Wings"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: