Psychology Project File

Eating Disorders: A Psychological Perspective

Submitted By:​
Snigdha Joshi​
Class: XII ​
Section: Humanities​
Roll Number: 33

Submitted To:​
Divya Mishra Ma’am​
Bhavan Vidyalaya Panchkula​
Academic Year: 2025-26

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Certificate

This is to certify that [Your Name] of Class XII, Section [Your Section], has successfully
completed the psychology project on the topic 'Eating Disorders: A Psychological
Perspective' under my guidance. This project is the result of their genuine and sincere
effort and has been completed to my satisfaction.

Teacher’s Signature: ____________________

Principal’s Signature: ____________________

Date: ____________________
Acknowledgement

I would like to express my special thanks of gratitude to my psychology teacher, Divya

Mishra Ma’am, who gave me the golden opportunity to do this wonderful project on the
topic 'Eating Disorders'. Their guidance and support throughout the project were
invaluable.

I would also like to extend my thanks to my principal, [Principal’s Name], for providing
me with all the necessary resources and infrastructure for completing this project.

A special thanks to my parents and friends for their unwavering support and
encouragement, which helped me complete this project successfully.

Lastly, I thank all the individuals and authors whose work and research I have referred
to, which greatly enriched the content of this project.

-​ Snigdha Joshi
Index / Table of Contents

Sr. No. Contents Page No.

1. Introduction to Eating Disorders 5

2. Major Types of Eating Disorders 11

3. Psychological Theories and 23

Perspectives

4. Case Studies and Analysis 29

5. Treatment and Recovery 33

6. Survey and Analysis 36

7. Conclusion 38

8. Bibliography 39
Chapter 1: Introduction to Eating Disorders

1.1 What are Eating Disorders?

Eating disorders are serious mental and physical illnesses characterized by severe
disturbances in a person's eating behaviors, related thoughts, and emotions. They are
not lifestyle choices or "phases" but are complex psychiatric conditions that can have
severe consequences for a person's physical health, emotional stability, and social
functioning. Individuals with eating disorders often become preoccupied with food,
body weight, and shape, leading to dangerous eating habits.

1.2 Prevalence and Significance

Eating disorders affect people across all genders, ages, racial and ethnic backgrounds,
and socioeconomic statuses. While often associated with Western cultures, they are a
growing global concern, including in India, where urbanization and exposure to global
media are influencing body image ideals.

Key Statistics:

●​ They have some of the highest mortality rates of any mental illness.
●​ They often co-occur with other conditions like anxiety, depression, and
obsessive-compulsive disorder.
●​ The onset often occurs during adolescence or young adulthood, making it a
critical topic for students to understand.

This topic is significant for psychology as it sits at the intersection of biological,

psychological, and sociocultural factors, providing a holistic view of human behavior
and mental processes.

1.3 Common Risk Factors and Etiology (Causes)

The development of an eating disorder is multi-factorial, involving a complex interplay

of:

A) Biological Factors:

●​ Genetics: Individuals with a family history of eating disorders are at a higher risk.
●​ Neurochemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin and
dopamine, may contribute.
 ●​ Hormonal Changes: Puberty can be a trigger.

B) Psychological Factors:

●​ Low Self-Esteem: Feelings of inadequacy or lack of control in life.

●​ Perfectionism: Setting unrealistically high standards for oneself.
●​ Body Image Dissatisfaction: A persistent belief that one's body is flawed.
●​ Co-morbid Disorders: Presence of anxiety, depression, or OCD.

C) Sociocultural Factors:

●​ Cultural Pressure for Thinness: Media's promotion of an often unattainable "thin

ideal."
●​ Social Media Influence: Constant exposure to curated images and "fitspiration"
content.
●​ Weight Stigma and Bullying: Teasing or criticism about weight can be a potent
trigger.
●​ Professions and Activities: Pressure in fields like modeling, dancing, or athletics.
Chapter 2: Major Types of Eating Disorders

2.1 Anorexia Nervosa (AN)

Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by a relentless pursuit of thinness, a distorted body

image, and an intense fear of gaining weight.

Key Features:

●​ Restriction of Energy Intake: Leading to a significantly low body weight in the

context of age, sex, and physical health.
●​ Intense Fear of Gaining Weight: Even when underweight.
●​ Disturbance in Body Image: Undue influence of body weight or shape on
self-evaluation, or denial of the seriousness of the current low body weight.

Subtypes:

●​ Restricting Type: Weight loss is accomplished through dieting, fasting, or

excessive exercise.
●​ Binge-Eating/Purging Type: The individual has engaged in recurrent episodes of
binge eating or purging behavior (e.g., self-induced vomiting, misuse of
laxatives).

2.2 Bulimia Nervosa (BN)

Bulimia Nervosa involves a cycle of recurrent, uncontrolled binge-eating episodes

followed by compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain.

Key Features:

●​ Recurrent Binge-Eating Episodes: Eating, in a discrete period, an amount of food

that is definitely larger than what most people would eat, accompanied by a
sense of lack of control.
●​ Recurrent Compensatory Behaviors: Such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of
laxatives or diuretics, fasting, or excessive exercise.
●​ Self-Evaluation: Is unduly influenced by body shape and weight.

The Vicious Cycle of Bulimia:​

Dieting/Restriction -> Binge Eating (Loss of Control) -> Purging/Compensatory Behavior
(to relieve guilt/fear) -> Guilt and Shame -> Return to Dieting/Restriction.
2.3 Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

Binge Eating Disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities

of food in a short period, marked by a feeling of loss of control. Unlike Bulimia, there are
no regular compensatory behaviors.

Key Features:

●​ Binge Episodes: Associated with eating much more rapidly than normal, eating
until uncomfortably full, eating large amounts when not physically hungry, eating
alone due to embarrassment, and feeling disgusted, depressed, or very guilty
afterward.
●​ Significant Distress: The binge eating causes marked distress.
●​ No Purging: The absence of regular use of inappropriate compensatory
behaviors distinguishes BED from Bulimia Nervosa.

2.4 Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED)

OSFED is a diagnostic category for individuals who experience significant distress and
impairment from eating disorder symptoms but do not meet the full criteria for AN, BN,
or BED.

Examples include:

●​ Atypical Anorexia Nervosa: All criteria for AN are met, except the individual's
weight is within or above the normal range.
●​ Bulimia Nervosa (of low frequency and/or limited duration): All criteria for BN are
met, except the binge-eating and compensatory behaviors occur at a lower
frequency.
●​ Night Eating Syndrome: Recurrent episodes of night eating, manifested by eating
after awakening from sleep or by excessive food consumption after the evening
meal.

Chapter 3: Psychological Theories and Perspectives

3.1 Cognitive-Behavioral Perspective

This is one of the most influential models for understanding and treating eating
disorders, particularly Bulimia Nervosa and BED.

●​ Core Concept: Eating disorders are maintained by dysfunctional and distorted

thoughts related to food, weight, and body shape.
●​ The Cognitive Distortion Cycle:
1.​ Negative Automatic Thoughts: "I am fat and worthless."
2.​ Cognitive Errors: All-or-nothing thinking ("If I eat one cookie, my diet is
ruined"), overgeneralization.
3.​ Maladaptive Behaviors: Restrictive eating, binge eating, or purging.
4.​ Reinforcement: Temporary relief from anxiety reinforces the distorted
thought, creating a vicious cycle.

3.2 Sociocultural Perspective

This perspective emphasizes the role of cultural and social pressures in the
development of eating disorders.

●​ The 'Thin Ideal': Western and global media consistently promote thinness as
synonymous with beauty, success, and discipline.
●​ Role of Social Media: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok create an environment
of constant social comparison, "fitspiration," and pro-eating disorder content.
●​ Internalization: Individuals internalize these unrealistic standards, leading to body
dissatisfaction, which is a major risk factor for developing an eating disorder.

3.3 Psychodynamic and Family Systems Perspective

●​ Psychodynamic View: Focuses on underlying emotional conflicts. Eating

disorders may symbolize:
○​ A struggle for control and identity, especially during adolescence.
○​ An attempt to cope with unresolved trauma or emotional pain.
○​ Difficulties with separation and individuation from parents.
●​ Family Systems View: Proposes that the symptoms of an eating disorder serve a
function within the family dynamics.
○​ Enmeshment: Poor boundaries between family members.
○​ Overprotectiveness: Hindering the child's development of autonomy.
 ○​ Rigidity: Difficulty adapting to change (e.g., a child growing up).​
The eating disorder can become a focus that distracts from other family
conflicts.

Chapter 4: Case Studies and Analysis

Case Study 1: Anorexia Nervosa (Restricting Type)

●​ Background: Priya, a 17-year-old student, is a high achiever from a competitive

academic background.
●​ Presenting Problem: Over six months, she has lost 15 kg. She exercises for two
hours daily and follows a strict diet of only fruits and salads, claiming she is "too
fat" despite being underweight.
●​ Symptoms & Analysis:
○​ Behavioral: Severe food restriction, excessive exercise.
○​ Cognitive: Distorted body image ("I still see fat"), intense fear of weight
gain.
○​ Psychological Factors: Perfectionism, using control over food as a way to
cope with academic pressure.
○​ Link to Theory: Demonstrates the Cognitive-Behavioral cycle of distorted
thoughts leading to restrictive behaviors.

Case Study 2: Bulimia Nervosa

●​ Background: Rohan, a 19-year-old college student and aspiring swimmer.

●​ Presenting Problem: He engages in secret binge episodes after periods of strict
dieting, consuming large amounts of junk food. This is followed by intense guilt
and self-induced vomiting.
●​ Symptoms & Analysis:
○​ Behavioral: Binge-eating and purging cycle, often triggered by stress.
○​ Cognitive: Self-worth tied entirely to his athletic performance and
physique.
○​ Sociocultural Factors: Pressure from the sports environment to maintain a
specific weight.
○​ Link to Theory: A clear example of the Sociocultural pressure and the
Cognitive-Behavioral cycle of binge and purge.

Conclusion of Case Studies:​

Both cases, though different in presentation, share common themes of control, low
self-esteem, and the profound influence of external pressures on self-perception.

Chapter 5: Treatment and Recovery

5.1 Psychotherapeutic Interventions

●​ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): The most evidence-based treatment for

Bulimia and BED. It helps individuals identify, challenge, and change distorted
thoughts and maladaptive behaviors related to their eating disorder.
●​ Family-Based Treatment (FBT or Maudsley Approach): Especially effective for
adolescents with Anorexia. It empowers parents to take charge of refeeding their
child in the initial phases, externalizing the illness from the child.
●​ Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT): Focuses on improving interpersonal
relationships and social functioning to reduce eating disorder symptoms.

5.2 Medical and Nutritional Management

●​ Medical Care: A physician monitors vital signs, bone density, and electrolyte
levels to manage life-threatening physical complications.
●​ Psychiatric Care: Medications like Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
(SSRIs) can be helpful, especially for Bulimia and BED, to address co-occurring
depression and anxiety.
●​ Nutritional Counseling: A registered dietitian helps create balanced meal plans,
normalize eating patterns, and educate about nutritional needs.

5.3 The Road to Recovery

Recovery is a journey that requires time, patience, and a strong support system. It
involves:

●​ Learning to separate self-worth from body weight and shape.

●​ Developing healthier coping mechanisms for stress.
●​ Rebuilding a peaceful relationship with food.
●​ The support of family, friends, and support groups is invaluable. Full recovery is
possible with appropriate and timely intervention.

Chapter 6: Survey and Analysis

A small survey was conducted among 30 peers (aged 16-18) to understand prevalent
attitudes toward body image and eating habits.

Survey Questions & Results (Simplified):

Question Often/Sometime Rarely/Never

s

1. I feel pressured to look a certain way. 70% 30%

2. I compare my body to people on social 80% 20%

media.

3. I feel guilty after eating "unhealthy" food. 65% 35%

4. I have skipped meals to control my weight. 40% 60%

Analysis:​
The results indicate a high level of body dissatisfaction and food-related anxiety among
adolescents. The fact that 80% compare themselves to social media highlights the
powerful sociocultural influence. The significant percentage who feel guilt after eating
or skip meals suggests that disordered eating attitudes are common, even if they don't
meet the criteria for a full-blown disorder. This underscores the need for early education
and prevention programs.

Chapter 7: Conclusion
This project has explored the complex and multifaceted nature of eating disorders.
From the distinct characteristics of Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating Disorder to the
underlying psychological theories of cognition, culture, and family dynamics, it is clear
that these are serious mental health conditions rooted in more than just food.

The case studies and survey bring to light the very real struggles faced by individuals,
emphasizing that these disorders can affect anyone. Understanding the interplay of
biological, psychological, and social factors is crucial for empathy, early identification,
and effective intervention.

It is vital to challenge the societal stigma surrounding eating disorders and promote a
culture of body positivity and mental health awareness. Recovery is a challenging but
achievable path, and seeking help is a sign of strength. As a society and as individuals,
we must foster environments where self-worth is not measured by a number on a scale.

Chapter 8: Bibliography
1.​ NCERT. (2023). Psychology Textbook for Class XII. New Delhi: National Council of
Educational Research and Training.
2.​ American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
3.​ National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). Information and Resources.
Retrieved from www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
4.​ Barlow, D. H., & Durand, V. M. (2015). Abnormal Psychology: An Integrative
Approach. Cengage Learning.
5.​ "Body Image and Eating Disorders in India: An Emerging Concern." Indian Journal
of Psychiatry.