Socio-cultural factors in the development of anorexia nervosa

TLDR

The study examines how socio‑cultural determinants influence the development of anorexia nervosa as a multifactorial disorder. The authors assessed body metrics and eating‑attitude scores in 183 dance and 56 modelling students, comparing them to 59 normal female university students, 68 anorexia patients, and 35 music students. Anorexia nervosa was overrepresented among dance and modelling students, with 6.5% of dancers diagnosed, most cases emerging during training, and higher prevalence in competitive settings, indicating that slim‑body pressure and achievement expectations are risk factors.

Abstract

SYNOPSIS A population of professional dance ( N = 183) and modelling ( N = 56) students, who by career choice must focus increased attention and control over their body shapes, was studied. Height and weight data were obtained on all subjects. In addition, a questionnaire that is useful in assessing the symptoms of anorexia nervosa, the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT), was administered. Results of these tests were compared with those of normal female university students ( N = 59), patients with anorexia nervosa ( N = 68), and music students ( N = 35). Anorexia nervosa and excessive dieting concerns were overrepresented in the dance and modelling students. Twelve cases (6·5%) of primary anexoria nervosa were detected in the dance group. All but one case developed the disorder while studying dance. Within the dance group those from the most competitive environments had the greatest frequency of anorexia nervosa. These data suggest that both pressures to be slim and achievement expectations are risk factors in the development of anorexia nervosa. The influence of socio-cultural determinants are discussed within the context of anorexia nervosa as a multidetermined disorder.