Psychological explanations for anorexia nervosa Essay Example

individuals, indicating that ethnicity may not be a determining factor in the likelihood of developing AN. Western cultures may have stronger influences, such as media, that can contribute to the development of AN. Furthermore, peer influences, particularly disordered eating patterns among peers, may also play a role, especially in adolescents who are more susceptible to these influences. Eisenberg's study suggests that unhealthy dieting within peer groups can contribute to the development of AN.

Bruchs’ psychodynamic theory suggests that anorexia nervosa originates in early childhood due to parents' incorrect responses to a child's hunger. This leads to confusion and dependence, resulting in affected individuals feeling a lack of control over their bodies during adolescence, ultimately leading them to develop abnormal patterns as a means of exercising control. However, it is believed that explanations solely focusing on culture, media or psychodynamic factors are oversimplified and reductionist since the development of AN is likely influenced by various factors including media personality and cultural norms. Such deterministic approaches fail to account for free will when choosing not to develop the disorder. Therefore, psychological explanations highlight how environmental elements contribute towards AN development.

The possibility that neural or genetic factors may be responsible suggests that nature could be a significant contributor, according to the biological approach. Nonetheless, the diathesis stress model offers a more comprehensive explanation by acknowledging the involvement of both nature and nurture, with some people possessing a genetic susceptibility and experiencing adequate environmental pressures, resulting in the onset of AN. Thus, highlighting the interplay between nature and nurture. AN development and maintenance are thought to be heavily influenced by personality traits. Perfectionism and impulsivity are common characteristics in

AN sufferers, though impulsiveness is typically associated with bulimia. Research suggests, however, that individuals with AN exhibit greater impulsive behaviour than they admit to.

According to Halmi, the significance of perfectionism as a risk factor for AN is backed by their research which indicates that the level of perfectionism is directly linked to the severity of AN in women. This suggests that individuals with higher levels of perfectionism are more susceptible to developing AN.