Eating disorders can plague both males and females, and they generally have different unattainable physical appearance-related goals. Males may feel the need to develop large muscles and are more vulnerable to taking drugs or embarking on exercise regimens that move them in that direction. For males who are obese or disinterested in athletics, there may be considerable social pressure and harassment to increase their muscle mass or overall strength. Females tend to gain weight and body fat during puberty. This tendency is in direct opposition to the “skinny” images they are exposed to through the media. As a consequence, girls are more likely to diet and exercise in ways that emphasize thinness and weight loss instead of fitness. These actions can result in eating disorders. Anorexia nervosa, the act of starving oneself, and bulimia nervosa, the act of binging and purging, are chronic conditions among many children and adolescents.

For this Application Assignment, consider the differences between normal variations in body image and what constitutes an eating disorder. In addition, consider what types of interventions are most effective with children and adolescents with eating disorders.

The assignment (2–3 pages):

• Describe two differences between normal variations of body image and a diagnosable eating disorder.
• Describe three key elements that you would include in an intervention for the prevention of eating disorders.
• Explain which of the three key elements would be developmentally appropriate for children and developmentally appropriate for adolescents and explain why.
• Explain which of the three key elements might apply best to males and which of the three key elements might apply best to females and explain why. Be specific.
• Justify your response using the Learning Resources and the current literature.

references:

• Flamez, B. & Sheperis, C. J. (2015). Diagnosing and treating children and adolescents: A guide for clinical and school settings. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
• • Chapter 13 “Feeding and Eating Disorders”

• Geller, J., & Dunn, E. C. (2011). Integrating motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy in the treatment of eating disorders: Tailoring interventions to patient readiness to change . Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 18(1), 5–15.
  © 2011 by ELSEVIER SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY JOURNALS. Reprinted by permission of ELSEVIER SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY JOURNALS via the Copyright Clearance Center.
• Raich, R. M., Portell, M., & Pelaez-Fernandez, M. A. (2010). Evaluation of a school-based programme of universal eating disorders prevention: Is it more effective in girls at risk? European Eating Disorders Review, 18(1), 49–57.
  © 2010 by JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC. Reprinted by permission of JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC. via the Copyright Clearance Center.