Special Education

Researchers have tried for many years to identify the causes of eating disorders. Lately, scientists have turned away from the notion of a single cause and have come to understand that a number of factors predispose people to eating disorders. Those factors include a number of personality and environmental triggers.

Many individuals with eating disorders set the unattainable standards of a perfectionist for themselves, suffer from low self-esteem, and tend to develop depression. These individuals may have experienced an event threatening to their self-esteem, such as a family divorce, a change of school or loss of a friend, in the months leading to the onset of the problem. There is evidence that sexual abuse may be a factor in some cases.

Transition is thought to be significant. The move from childhood to adolescence is closely linked to the development of eating disorders. Some researchers believe that the eating disorder may represent an attempt to delay or postpone physical and emotional maturation and the responsibility that comes with growing up. Finally, scientists believe that genetics may play a significant role, although research in this area is only in its earliest stages.

Environment can be a key factor. Households that place a major stress on academic and athletic achievement are described as being more likely to inadvertently foster eating disorders. Youth drawn to highly competitive activities that focus on thinness, such as gymnastics, ballet or modelling, are also at increased risk.

A second aspect of environment, cultural influences, are also thought to be a factor. We live in a culture that values thinness, especially for women. Television and print media portray desirable and successful people with sleek, even gaunt, supermodel shapes, setting an unrealistic standard for beauty. In this light, one can easily see how impressionable and vulnerable pre-adolescent and adolescents, in the midst of the physical changes of puberty, may struggle to attain these unrealistic standards and, in doing so, seriously compromise their health and well-being.

Overview of Contributing Factors Personality Generally affects people who are achievement-oriented, perfectionistic or have low self-esteem. Experience People who have experienced sexual and other abuse may be at heightened risk, as may anyone who has experienced a significant loss, through things like death or divorce. Environment People with eating disorders may be from highly stressful homes, where achievement or appearance, particularly as it relates to body size, is emphasized. Also at increased risk are people who participate in highly competitive activities that place an undue emphasis on body size, such as gymnastics, ballet, modelling and long-distance running. Genetic Predisposition Not well understood, but seems to be a factor.