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Eating disorders in immigrants: Two case reports
Author(s) -
Bulik Cynthia M.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/1098-108x(198701)6:1<133::aid-eat2260060115>3.0.co;2-o
Subject(s) - acculturation , immigration , sociocultural evolution , eating disorders , anorexia nervosa , psychology , vulnerability (computing) , attractiveness , ethnic group , population , developmental psychology , demography , clinical psychology , sociology , geography , computer security , archaeology , anthropology , computer science , psychoanalysis
The incidence of eating disorders has been highest among Caucasian American women of middle to upper middle social classes. Observations of anorexia nervosa and bulimia in two Eastern European immigrants to the United States are described. These cases illustrate the influence of immigration and acculturation on the adolescent and highlight their particular vulnerability to acculturation pressures of the new society. The case studies illustrate the complex interaction of individual, familial, and sociocultural factors associated with the development of anorexia nervosa and bulimia in a population not previously considered to be at risk. Consideration is given to the potential susceptibility of female immigrants in the United States to the pervasive messages emphasizing slimness and attractiveness as vehicles to acceptance and success in American culture.