Interpersonal Therapy for Eating Disorders
Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia, are complex mental health conditions that often intertwine with social factors, particularly interpersonal relationships and media influences. In recent years, researchers have sought to understand the intricate dynamics between these disorders and social interactions. One notable contribution is Rieger et al.'s (2010) development of an eating disorder-specific model of interpersonal psychotherapy. This model highlights the significance of social relevance in both the development and maintenance of eating disorders. The current essay will explore these findings, emphasizing how negative social interactions and media exposure, particularly through social networking platforms like Facebook and Instagram, contribute to the perpetuation of disordered eating behaviors.
Through a detailed examination of existing research and theoretical insights, this essay argues that these social dynamics play a critical role in shaping individuals' self-evaluation and body image, ultimately influencing the trajectory of eating disorders.
Contents
Interpersonal Dynamics and Eating Disorders
Rieger et al.'s model underscores the pivotal role of interpersonal issues in the context of eating disorders. The 2010 study involving 208 patients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa or bulimia assessed various factors, including eating pathology, symptom severity, and interpersonal patterns, both before and after hospitalization. The findings suggest a compelling link between negative social interactions and the emotional regulation strategies employed by individuals with eating disorders. Specifically, in response to unhealthy and pessimistic social exchanges, affected individuals often resort to disordered eating behaviors as a means of emotional self-repair. This maladaptive coping mechanism highlights the profound impact of interpersonal dynamics on the development and persistence of these disorders.
Poor self-evaluation is a common feature among individuals struggling with eating disorders, and it is often exacerbated by negative social evaluations. These repetitive and critical social encounters create a vicious cycle, where negative feedback and disordered eating symptoms reinforce each other. Consequently, negative social evaluation not only contributes to the development of eating disorders but also serves as a maintenance factor for the associated cognitive distortions and maladaptive behaviors. This underscores the need for therapeutic interventions that address these specific interpersonal challenges.
In today's digital age, social media platforms have become pervasive sources of social interaction and self-evaluation. These platforms offer a myriad of resources that influence individuals' perceptions of their "social value." Some of these resources manifest as direct, critical comments and cyberbullying, significantly impacting users' self-esteem and body image. For individuals with eating disorders, these platforms provide a fertile ground for comparing themselves to others, often exacerbating body dissatisfaction.
A study involving 79 undergraduate women highlights the intricate relationship between negative feedback, bulimic symptoms, and body dissatisfaction. Despite having serious concerns about their body appearance, women with bulimic tendencies exhibited a paradoxical interest in the very feedback that amplified these concerns. The study further revealed that this interest in negative feedback acted as a risk factor for the development of later symptoms, primarily through the mediating effects of heightened body dissatisfaction.
Facebook and Instagram, two immensely popular social media platforms, exemplify the venues where these exchanges and social comparisons occur. These platforms allow users to post images, comment on weight, food, and body shape, and even join groups centered around disordered eating. Unfortunately, these sites make critical responses easily accessible, often at the expense of users' mental well-being. As previously discussed, comparing oneself to curated images can lead to increased body dissatisfaction, a prevalent issue on platforms with billions of users.
Conclusion
In summary, the interplay between interpersonal dynamics and media influences, particularly through social media, significantly contributes to the development and maintenance of eating disorders. Rieger et al.'s model of interpersonal psychotherapy offers valuable insights into the role of negative social evaluations and maladaptive coping strategies in fueling these disorders. Moreover, the pervasive nature of social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram further exacerbates body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors. As these platforms continue to evolve, it becomes increasingly crucial to promote awareness and interventions that address the detrimental impact of social comparisons and critical feedback on individuals' mental health. By understanding these complex dynamics, we can work towards more effective prevention and treatment strategies that empower individuals to break free from the cycle of negative social evaluation and embrace healthier self-perceptions.
Interpersonal Therapy for Eating Disorders. (2019, May 25). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/eating-disorder-specific-model-of-interpersonal-psychotherapy/
