Social Constructionism and Eating Disorders: Relinquishing Labels and Embracing Personal Stories

Abstract

Unusual eating behaviors have been attributed in various times and places to piety, biological malfunctions, and psychological turmoil within the individual or family. This article explores historical accounts of so-called “eating disorders” and then contrasts the modern conceptualization of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa with the postmodern understanding of construction and treatment of these disorders. The role played by culture, family, peers, and the media will be linked to the social construction of eating disorders, suggesting implications for treatment based upon a social constructionist model of therapy. A brief overview of this model is followed by personal narratives of clients and success stories of leading professionals in the field of psychology. The application of postmodern therapy to the realm of eating disorders represents new and relatively uncharted territory. Despite its potential limitations, social constructionism offers a respectful process of treatment and opens an abundance of possibilities for future research.