Seth Blakeslee Adolescent Psychology
An Alarming Trend
Eating Disorders Psychological disorder characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits Anorexia Nervosa Bulimia Muscle Dysmorphia
Anorexia Nervosa Intense fear related to gaining weight Adolescent Males approx. 10 – 15% of those suffering from the disorder Refusal to eat – extreme emaciation Metabolic changes, thyroid difficulty, heart abnormalities Mortality rate is as high as 15% (highest mortality rate among mental disorders)
Bulimia “Binge and Purge” Common among athletes in sports where weight is a concern (i.e. wrestling) Weight fluctuations Vomiting, laxative use, excessive exercise, periods of starvation Less recognizable by physical appearance
Muscle Dysmorphia Growing in prevalence Excessive preoccupation with body size, muscularity BMI, body fat
Warning Signs Weight fluctuation Excessive exercise Dressing in layers (trying to hide body) Health problems (heart)
At-Risk Groups Athletes Mental disorders Family issues Students questioning sexual identity Eating disorder may lead to decreased libido
Causes Language bias Ideal male image in media GI Joe Magic Mike Peer Pressure 1997 survey of high school athletes: Do you want to be bigger? Football – 80% yes Cross Country – 43% yes
Interventions Medical treatment Counseling Group therapy/ Rehabilitation centers
Prevention Increased attention to non-physical definitions of “manliness” Working with coaches to emphasize health before fitness or appearance Give students healthy avenues for control
Resources School counselor Nutritionist Athletic trainer Coaches
References Eating disorders on the rise in teen boys [Television series episode]. (2012). In TODAY. NBC. Retrieved from Ray, S. L. (2004). Eating disorders in adolescent males.Professional School Counseling, 8(1), 98. Rosselli, F., May, A. M., & Striegel-Moore, R. H. (2007). Ethnic differences in weight control practices among u.s. adolescents from 1995 to International Journal of Eating Disorders Stout, E. J. (2004). Body image disorder in adolescent males: Strategies for school counselors. Professional School Counseling, 8(21), 176.