According to the American Psychiatric Association (2013) there are eight different eating and feeding disorders namely, pica, binge eating disorder, rumination disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, other specified feeding or eating disorder and unsp...
Table of Contents
Black Females Are No Longer “Immune” From Eating Disorders........................................ 3
Anorexia Nervosa............................................................................................................................... 5
Diagnostic Criteria for Anorexia Nervosa................................................................................ 5
Features Of the Disorder .............................................................................................................. 5
Medical Complications Associated with Anorexia Nervosa ............................................... 6
Specific Cultural, Gender and Age Features .......................................................................... 7
Bulimia Nervosa ................................................................................................................................. 7
Diagnostic Criteria for Bulimia Nervosa .................................................................................. 7
Features Of the Disorder .............................................................................................................. 8
Medical Complications Associated ........................................................................................... 8
Specific Cultural, Gender and Age Features .......................................................................... 8
Influences on Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa ....................................................... 9
Binge-eating Disorder ....................................................................................................................... 9
Diagnostic Criteria for Binge-eating Disorder ........................................................................ 9
Features Of the Disorder ............................................................................................................ 10
Medical Complications Associated ......................................................................................... 10
Specific Cultural, Gender and Age Features ........................................................................ 10
Developmental Factors That Can Be Considered When Assessing the Above
Mentioned Disorders ....................................................................................................................... 11
Biological Factors ........................................................................................................................ 11
Genetic Factors ........................................................................................................................ 11
Neurobiological Factors ......................................................................................................... 12
Psychological Factors ................................................................................................................ 12
Developmental Factors........................................................................................................... 12
Personality Factors ................................................................................................................. 13
Sociocultural Factors .................................................................................................................. 13
Cross Cultural Factors ............................................................................................................... 14
Above Eating Disorders in A South African Context ............................................................. 15
Conclusion ......................................................................................................................................... 17
References ......................................................................................................................................... 18
Plagiarism Declaration ................................................................................................................... 19
Eating disorders have become more prominent in black females in recent years due
to the strong influence from the west and the unrealistic body image standards
perceived in social media. This preoccupation with weight and body dimensions or
reliance on food are used as a coping mechanism (Sue, Sue, Sue, & Sue, 2022).
Extreme measures are used to achieve this ‘ideal’ body which often lead to eating
disorders. According to the Oxford Dictionary, an eating disorder is a condition in
which somebody develops eating habits that are not healthy as a way of dealing with
difficult feelings or situations.
According to the American Psychiatric Association (2013) there are eight different
eating and feeding disorders namely, pica, binge eating disorder, rumination
disorder, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, bulimia nervosa, anorexia
nervosa, other specified feeding or eating disorder and unspecified eating or feeding
disorder. This essay however does not cover all eight eating disorders mentioned but
will discuss in depth anorexia nervous, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorders.
Why South African females are no longer ‘immune’ from eating disorders will also be
discussed in detail.
Black Females Are No Longer “Immune” From Eating Disorders
South Africa is a country known for its rich cultures and traditions stemming from the
history and ancestry of the countries people. Our culture is something we as South
African’s are extremely proud of but with the rise of social media and more influence
from the West, the country has had quite a culture shock.
According to Szabo and Allwood (2006) eating disorders amongst South African
females weren’t published until around 1995 with an increase of eating disorders
being prevalent since then (Burke et al., 2019).
This could be due to the influence on Africa from the west. Despite the country trying
to hold onto its norms, traditions and not be influenced by other societies, certain
events, such as apartheid, have led to drastic societal changes. For example, some
individuals from other ethnic groups have now been able to move to different cities
post-apartheid and are thus being exposed to other societal norms (Senekal, Steyn,
Mashengo, & Nel, 2001).
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