The role of socio-cultural factors in the course of anorexia nervosa: a case of anorexia nervosa in a Chinese-American adolescent

摘要

With the realization of eating disorders outside of westernized societies, it is clear that body image and western cultural ideals are not the only etiologies for anorexia nervosa across cultures. Using a retrospective chart review of a single medical record, a case study is presented to illustrate that eating disorders are context-bound with multiple factors playing a role in the pervasive existence of anorexia nervosa among various societies and cultures. As the existence of eating disorders across diverse cultures continues to be identified and recognized, it is necessary to consider family, developmental, social and cultural factors in order to accurately formulate and effectively treat anorexia nervosa.