Identity Development
What are some ways an eating disorder may impact how someone views themselves?
-Only see themselves as their diagnosis (can't separate who they are from their disease)
-Less time spent doing activities of interest; may not know what they enjoy or who they are beyond their disorder
(National Eating Disorders Association, 2021)
What are some ways eating disorders impact overall performance at work?
-Difficulty concentrating
-Decrease in productivity levels
-Might be late if scheduling employment around working out
-Time spent on following "rules" of eating disorder may not allow for enough time or interest in work
-Malnutrition can lead to lack of energy. endurance, and strength, which makes it difficult to work to the best of their ability
(National Eating Disorders Association, 2021)
What are some elements of a healthy peer/romantic relationship that may be compromised due to an eating disorder?
-Communication
-Trust
-Openness/vulnerability
Why might adolescents be more at risk of developing eating disorders in college?
-Lack of usual routine/structure
Newfound independence where no one is watching them closely
-Stress of school
-Less support
(National Eating Disorders Association, 2021)
Why might a female with an eating disorder have more difficulty having children (starting a family)?
Irregular menstruation can make it more difficult to conceive, and malnutrition during pregnancy can be detrimental to both the mother and child
(National Eating Disorders Association, 2021)
Why might adolescents that are part of the LGBTQ+ population face higher rates of eating disorders?
-The pressure of sexuality, gender identity, and body image while trying to figure out how one identifies can lead to hyper focus on the body, which can lead to eating disorders
(National Eating Disorders Association, 2021)
How can negative work performance due to eating disorders impact an adolescent in other areas of their lives?
-These are some of their first jobs
-It is important to get good references and experience for higher education and resumes
(National Eating Disorders Association, 2021)
What are negative impacts on a romantic/sexual relationship due to eating disorders?
-Trouble with healthy sexual intimacy due to self-esteem difficulties
-Low self-esteem correlated with eating disorders can lead to adolescents forming unhealthy attachments or abusive relationships with certain people
(National Eating Disorders Association, 2021)
What are some reasons adolescents with eating disorders may not attend college/delay their entrance into college?
-Health conditions due to malnutrition
-Hospitalization
-Lack of extra curricular activities (work/sports/clubs) due to focus on eating disorder may impact getting accepted into college
How does the "in-between" feeling of emerging adulthood impact adolescents with eating disorders?
-The unknown and lack of structure can lead to an individual needing to feel a bigger sense of control
-Financial difficulties (lack of stable job due to eating disorder, debt from college, etc) can all be stressors
(National Eating Disorders Association, 2021)
How might the identity development of an adolescent that is male or is a person of color be negatively impacted by the stereotype of only white females having eating disorders?
-They may feel like they are out of place, different, and misunderstood/invalidated due to this misconception, which can lead to lower chances of receiving a diagnosis and getting proper help
-Their eating disorder can become a larger part of their identity if they do not receive treatment.
(National Eating Disorders Association, 2021)
What are some jobs adolescents may obtain that could be especially difficult with eating disorders/may worsen eating disorders?
-Waitress
-Fast-food worker
-Retail worker
Why might an adolescent with an eating disorder find themselves having trouble making or keeping friends?
-Secrecy; trying to hide their disorder
-Not "fitting in" if not eating at social events
-Withdrawal; eating disorder can take priority over friendships
-Anger if a friend tries to get them help
What rate are transgender college students reported to experience disordered eating at compared to their cisgender classmates?
4x
(National Eating Disorders Association, 2021)
What are the five main features of emerging adulthood that can increase the risk of eating disorders?
-Identity exploration
-Instability
-Self-focus
-Feeling in-between adolescence and adulthood
-A sense of broad possibilities for the future.
(National Eating Disorders Association, 2021)