Eating Disorders and Social Influence
By Taylor Owens
Eating disorders affect 90-95 percent of women in multiple shapes and forms (Hesse-Biber et al., 2006). It is the third most chronic illness in adolescent females (Golden et al., 2003). Especially with the technology and accessible resources we have nowadays, eating disorders and the feeling of the ‘skinniest is the healthiest’ are more prominent than ever in our lives. Whether scrolling through social media, checking emails, or seeing advertisements on television, we are surrounded by the skinny culture. It takes a toll on our mental health and overall happiness if taken too far.
Three studies were conducted to get a better understanding of eating disorders and the societal influence that contribute to them. The first study conducted was to find out how previous eating disordered practitioners felt about their body image, weight, and relationship with their food. The participants included twelve female counselors that were recruited from four eating disorder services (Rance et al., 2010). Questions were designed and asked about their own thoughts about body image, relationships with food and whether they think their behavior has changed or not since they have gone through their experience. The results found that the counselors could relate to and understand their client’s history and struggle with eating disorders, but they themselves found it challenging to their professional integrity and capability.
The second study conducted was to identify gaps in literature around eating disorders using photography and narratives that personally captured the social, cultural, and systemic influences on eating disorders (Saunders et al., 2018). They did semi-structured interviews with each of the participants as well as using PhotoVoice method which is using photography with narratives to explore the social issues with each picture. The results of this study were not all that surprising. The participants identified the need for change within six common categories that came from the study that included media, healthcare practice and access, insurance reform, education, objectification of the female body, and mental health stigma.
The third and final study conducted was to find out if individuals that struggled with an eating disorder throughout their college years recover during their post-college years. The participants included 21 women across a six-year period that started from their sophomore year of college to two years post college (Hesse-Biber et al., 1999). Each participant was given points based off two scales: the Eating Habits Scale and the Changes in Eating Habits scale. The results showed that all women’s habits improved but half of the participants were still considered ‘at risk’ for an eating disorder post college, with those showing lower self-esteem still more at risk for an eating disorder.
Solutions to this problem we are facing in our society today could help decrease the percentage of women who struggle with eating disorders. One solution that could improve eating disorders among women would be implementing mandatory mental health and wellness classes at a young age. We have them for our physical health and bodies but not for our mental health and minds. Having these classes at a young age would be beneficial and the results on self-esteem and the overall relationship with your body and self would increase. Another solution would be promoting general awareness and knowledge of the overall reality of social media. This could help all individuals understand that no one looks like they do on social media 24/7 and that no one is perfect.
References
Hesse-Biber, S., Leavy, P., Quinn, C. E., & Zoino, J. (2006). The mass marketing of disordered eating and eating disorders: The social psychology of women, thinness, and culture. Women's Studies International Forum, 29(2), 208–224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wsif.2006.03.007
Hesse-Biber, S., Marino, M., & Watts-Roy, D. (1999). A longitudinal study of eating disorders among college women: Factors that Influence Recovery. Gender & Society, 13(3), 385–408. https://doi.org/10.1177/089124399013003007
Golden, N. H., Katzman, D. K., Kreipe, R. E., Stevens, S. L., Sawyer, S. M., Rees, J., Nicholls, D., & Rome, E. S. (2003). Eating disorders in adolescents. Journal of Adolescent Health, 33(6), 496–503. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2003.08.004
Rance, N.M., Moller, N. P., & Douglas, B. A. (2010). Eating Disorder Counsellors With Eating Disorder Histories: A Story of Being “Normal”, Eating Disorders, 18(5), 377-392, DOI: 10.1080/10640266.2010.511901
Saunders, J. F., Eaton, A. A., & Frazier, S. L. (2018). Disordered society: Women in eating disorder recovery advise policymakers on Change. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 46(2), 175–187. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-018-0903-9