Beliefs of women concerning causes and risk factors for bulimia nervosa

Mond, Jonathan M., Hay, Phillipa J., Rodgers, Bryan, Owen, Cathy, and Beumont, Pierre J.V. (2004) Beliefs of women concerning causes and risk factors for bulimia nervosa. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 38 (6). pp. 463-469.

[img] PDF (Published Version)
Restricted to Repository staff only

View at Publisher Website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1614.20...
 
29
2


Abstract

Objective: to examine the beliefs of women concerning causes and risk factors for eating disordered behaviour.

Method: face-to-face interviews were conducted with a community sample of 208 women aged 18-45 years. Respondents were presented with a vignette describing a fictional person meeting diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa (BN) and were asked to indicate whether each of several factors was 'very likely', 'likely' or 'not likely' to be a cause of the problem described, which factor was most likely to be a cause, and whether particular subgroups of people would be 'more likely', 'less likely' or 'equally likely' to have or develop the problem described.

Results: 'having low self-esteem' was considered very likely to be a cause of BN by 75.0% of respondents, and the most likely cause by 40.5% of respondents. Other factors perceived as significant were 'problems from childhood', 'portrayal of women in the media', 'being overweight as a child or adolescent' and 'day-to-day problems', while genetic factors and preexisting psychological problems were perceived to be of minor significance. Most respondents believed that women aged under 25 years were at greatest risk of having or developing BN.

Conclusions: women's beliefs concerning causes and risk factors for BN are generally consistent with empirical evidence. However, information concerning the increased risk associated with pre-existing anxiety and affective disorders might usefully be included in prevention programs. Systematic investigation of the benefits of addressing individuals' beliefs concerning risk factors for eating disorders - as opposed to risk factors per se - would be of interest.

Item ID: 5866
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1440-1614
Keywords: bulimia nervosa; mental health literacy; prevention; risk factors
Date Deposited: 12 Jan 2010 00:37
FoR Codes: 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1103 Clinical Sciences > 110319 Psychiatry (incl Psychotherapy) @ 100%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920410 Mental Health @ 100%
Downloads: Total: 2
More Statistics

Actions (Repository Staff Only)

Item Control Page Item Control Page