Psychologcial Explanations of Anorexia Nervosa

Control - Anorexics control food intake as they can not control other aspects of their life, increases self efficiency, helps to feel autonomous, may feel controlled by others

Remain pre-pubescent - Attempt to avoid sexual maturity, over dependent on parents, prevents periods, helps avoid possibility of pregnancy

Diverts attention away from family problems, relationships, may bring family closer together

Doesn't help to understand why males develop anorexia
Family problems cause or effect?
Unfalsifiable
THeories based on case studies - hard to generalise but a lot of in depth information
Treatments based on theory are effective

Operant conditiong - Rewards for losing weight
SLT - Learn through observain, role models, peers, siblings, parents, celebs
Role of media portray female body in particular way

Miss America - over 50% were 15% below normal body weight, media shows should be thin

Dieting not part of chinese culture, supports OC normal people thin/slim

Cases of anorexia, searching medical records, caribbean island, 'fat is beautifuk', cases of anorexia not reported

Role modelling helps to understand why there has been an increase in Anorexia
Cannot explain increase in obesity
Cannot explain women that diet but do not become anorexic
Doesn't explain why anorexics continue to diet even when compliments stop

Reductionist - Simplifies complex disorder to process of conditioning
Nature/Nurture - Focus on upbringing and environmental factors
Psychology as a science - Unfalsifiable