title: Sociological factors in the development of eating disorders.
abstract: In recent years, anorexia and bulimia nervosa, whether combined into a single clinical picture or considered as distinct syndromes, have reached epidemic proportions among adolescents. Professionals in the educational and physical and mental health care fields need to be aware of the influence of social pressures on teenagers' perceptions of body image and appearance. This article reviews the sociocultural, socioeconomic, and sex-related factors which contribute to the development of eating disorders. It is recommended that professionals help adolescents resist societal pressure to conform to unrealistic standards of appearance, and provide guidance on nutrition, realistic body ideals, and achievement of self-esteem, self-efficacy, interpersonal relations and coping skills.
authors.affiliation: Home Economics Education, University of Georgia, Athens 30602.
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Nagel
authors.forename: K H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D001828:Body Image; D005006:Ethnicity; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D012649:Self Concept; D012737:Sex Factors; D012961:Sociology