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QUESTION: What do you think is the main reason young girls get eating disorders? Having said that, however, there are some ‘hallmarks’ that seem to be common triggers. Highly intelligence, sensitive individuals seem more prone to developing eating disorders. Those who are involved in weight- or image-sensitive activities (such as cheer, dance, track, Greek life, etc) are more at risk. Adolescents exposed to abuse or severe criticism of any kind, uncontrollable loss or change, an overly controlling or overly distant parent, or early puberty appear to be at a higher risk (for a more complete list of possible triggers click HERE.) We live in a media-saturated society. Children ages two and older cannot tell the difference between advertisements and programs. Advertising today relies on classical conditioning principles to instill a sense of a relationship between two essentially unlike elements (i.e., buying sugary soda and increased popularity at school). Adolescent brains are not yet fully formed and have no or reduced ability to think in ‘grey’ – they either think in black (‘I must do this’) or white (‘I must not do this’). The adolescent brain, not yet well versed in stress management and abstract reasoning, searches for simple answers to complex questions. When this happens, as it did in my own case at age eleven, an eating disorder sometimes results. For more information about current research as it relates to eating disorders, you can visit Eating Disorders 101 on the Key to Life website. Thank you for your question – please write again if you have further questions!Warmly, and with HOPE, Shannon Do you have a related question you would like to submit for future editions of Good News? Would you like to send a message of encouragement and support to the person who asked this question? (NOTE: all messages of support will be received and published anonymously in future editions of Good News) If you would like to submit a question or send a message of support please send it to Shannon c/o Good News HERE |