Year: 2024 | Month: January-March | Volume: 9 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 1-7
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/gijhsr.20240101
Factors of Developing an Eating Disorder: A Critical Analysis
Louiz Hoxha1, Georgios Thomas2, Georgios Pilafas2,3, Penelope Louka22,4,5
1Student, University of Derby (UK) at Mediterranean College campus, Athens, Greece
2Accredited Lecturer, University of Derby (UK) at Mediterranean College campus, Athens, Greece
2,3Programme Leader ‘BSc (Hons) Applied Psychology’, University of Derby (UK) at Mediterranean College campus, Athens, Greece
4Deputy Head of Academic Affairs (Learning, Teaching & Assessment), Mediterranean College, Greece
5Head of School of Psychology, Mediterranean College, Greece
Corresponding Author: Louiz Hoxha
ABSTRACT
The 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders defines eating and feeding disorders as a persistent disturbance of eating or eating-related behavior that modifies food intake or absorption and seriously jeopardizes psychological or general health. Their consequences varying from physical and mental morbidity to death as well. Although the common mind believes that eating and feeding disorders affects mostly women, studies show that men are similarly affected. The etiology is unknown, and treatment tends to be complicated since patients deny all therapies. What is more, body image plays a key role on eating disorders, and as a result some behavioral therapists created several conceptual models such as the cognitive-behavioral theory of eating disorder. Last but not least, the risk factors vary. However, environmental, and sociocultural factors have given a great deal of explanation on developing an eating disorder while several studies have investigated and given information to scientific community.
Keywords: eating disorders, risk factors, young, environmental contributors, sociocultural contributors