Abstract
Delineations between the biological, psychological, and social forces underlying eating disorder (ED) are false distinctions, as nature and nurture always go hand in hand. Genes code RNA and DNA, the building blocks of cells, creating variations associated with risk. While they do not code behavior or disease, genes create vulnerabilities that will be tempered or intensified by other factors, such as the family, early development, social experiences and expectations, physical conditions, and gender. Although they are not destiny, genes shape vulnerability and resilience, affecting how we perceive, organize, and respond to experiences, and contributing to the perfect storm of ED. Early puberty may be best understood as an ecological disorder, an interaction of psychosocial, nutritional, and environmental triggers, such as pollutants or chemical exposure; while family stress or trauma may also play a part. The entire hormonal system has been subtly rewired by modern stimuli. Female sexual maturation is not controlled by a ticking clock. It is more like a musical performance with girls' bodies as the keyboards and the environment as the pianist's hands. Sexual maturation brings increased attention to the body, sexuality, and the developmental pressures of adolescence, enhancing the impact of other ED risk factors.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.