Pregledni rad
https://doi.org/10.21860/j.14.2.3
Sociocultural Pressures in the Development of Eating Disorders – A Sociological Perspective
Sanja Stanić
orcid.org/0000-0003-0569-4841
; Filozofski fakultet u Splitu, Split, Hrvatska
Doris Žuro
orcid.org/0000-0003-0569-4841
; Katolički bogoslovni fakultet u Splitu, Split, Hrvatska.
Sažetak
Eating disorders escalated in Western, developed countries in the 1960s, which is when systematic studies on them began. In recent decades, eating disorders become a global phenomenon, which is linked with the spread of Western cultural patterns and beauty ideals. Eating disorders have multiple causes - they stem from biological, psychological, and sociocultural influences. Eating disorders mostly develop during adolescence, when young people become preoccupied with their appearance and body image. This paper uses the sociological approach with a focus on sociocultural risk factors. Peer groups, family, and media can influence dissatisfaction with body appearance and body weight. Peers are an important reference group. Numerous studies have confirmed that peer pressure can be a motive for the development of eating disorders. Family relationships, family environment, and parental expectations can influence the perception of body weight and children’s eating habits. Media pressure is evident through the presentation of a thin appearance that ensures acceptance and success. In recent years, research has focused on the influence of social media. Societal measures during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected eating disorders. Considering the nature of eating disorders, ethical dilemmas arise during treatment. In Croatia, eating disorders are socially neglected and insufficiently researched, with unknown dimensions of frequency and prevalence. Estimates of the number of people with the disorder vary, however, there is agreement on the escalation of eating disorders and the lowering of the age limit. Eating disorders threaten the health and achievement of a person’s life goals, and most often negatively affect relationships in social groups in which an individual interacts. At the societal level, eating disorders are a significant health problem that burdens the health and social system in the long term and affects the human capital. In conclusion, eating disorders are viewed in a social context.
Ključne riječi
sociocultural risks; eating disorders; peers; media; family; COVID-19 pandemic; Croatia; bioethics
Hrčak ID:
314483
URI
Datum izdavanja:
22.2.2024.
Posjeta: 183 *