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Eating Disorders Association Research Committee Essay Competition 1995
Author(s) -
Newton Tim
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
european eating disorders review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.511
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1099-0968
pISSN - 1072-4133
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1099-0968(199603)4:1<54::aid-erv130>3.0.co;2-r
Subject(s) - eating disorders , association (psychology) , psychology , competition (biology) , psychiatry , psychotherapist , biology , ecology
Each year the Eating Disorders Association, in collaboration with the Society for Advancement of Research into Anorexia Nervosa (S.A.R.A.), sponsors an essay competition for medical students and psychology students. Part of the aim of this competition is to raise awareness of eating disorders amongst these students, to encourage them to adopt a perspective which seeks to understand the eating disorders in their fullest context. This year the committee setting the essay title asked students to prepare a case study of an individual with an eating disorder. Students were encouraged to discuss the case within a theoretical explanatory framework, as well as presenting the personal and medical details of the individual they were describing. This was a difficult task but one which the committee felt called for sensitivity and understanding as well as a knowledge of eating disorders. Entries were received from 13 students. The standard was extremely high and much discussion preceded the decision to select the eventual winner. The depth of knowledge displayed in the case studies was a pleasant surprise. Socio‐cultural influences were often mentioned and the role of the media in producing body dissatisfaction and the idealization of low body weight in women was discussed by many entrants. Psychodynamic issues were also raised, as well as cognitive behavioural approaches. Each student discussed their case sensitively and with respect for the individual. Eventually after much debate the judges decided that the prize should be awarded to Lucy Howarth on the basis of the depth of understanding and sensitivity she displayed in her case study. On behalf of the Eating Disorders Association research committee, may I take this opportunity to thank all those who took part in the competition and to congratulate Lucy Howarth on her success.