Abstract
Eating disorders are classified as developmental crises and typically develop during the adolescent years when youths face the identity versus role confusion psychosocial stage of development. Individuals struggling with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa share characteristics similar to those found in a drug addiction. Social comparison theory may be used to explain the way individuals look to culture and media to examine whether their body images are acceptable. This body image comparison may result in an eating disorder, as can an environment where family dynamics are dysfunctional and therefore cannot cultivate healthy life stage development. Both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are best treated with an intervention process that involves the family.
Recommended Citation
Barnett, Ashley M.
(2016)
"Eating Disorders: Anorexia and Bulimia as Developmental Crises,"
The Kabod: Vol. 3:
Iss.
1, Article 7.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70623/BVPP8324
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/kabod/vol3/iss1/7
Included in
Clinical Psychology Commons, Counseling Psychology Commons, Developmental Psychology Commons