Eating Disorders and Sexual Abuse
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A history of sexual abuse has been linked to the development of eating disorders. It is believed that 30% of individuals with an eating disorder have been sexually abused. " An eating disorder acts as a shield for survivors, shifting the focus from the traumatic event to an intense preoccupation with food and weight. It is important to note that note that not everyone who been sexually abused develops and Eating Disorder and not all anorexics have been sexually abused. The connection exists only for some people." [p.42 Anorexia Nervosa: A Guide To Recovery]
The traumatic experience of abuse might result in low self-esteem, feelings of shame , guilt or self-blame, periods of dissociation or difficulty with relationships. The characteristics of abuse that are believed to influence the development of an eating disorder include a younger age at first abuse, the abuser being a member of one's family and the use of physical force. Physical violence in the home has also been found to be a contributing factor in the development of an eating disorder. For some., an eating disorder might be a re-enactment of the violation and intrusion experienced by the body as a result of abuse. Attempts to punish or control the body are thus symbolically and literally 'acted out' on the body.
A history of abuse may result in disturbed perceptions of one's body and may include fears regarding loss of bodily control, mutilation, and feelings of disgust about one's body, femaleness and sexuality. Survivors of sexual abuse often feel their bodies betrayed them and attribute responsibility or blame to their bodies. A lower rate of sexual abuse have been reported among people with anorexia nervosa relative to individuals with bulimia. The binge/purge cycle may serve a protective purpose. These behaviours seem to reduce the intensity and awareness of intolerable emotional and cognitive states and provide an outlet for the following:
| expression of anger | relieving stress and tension |
| regaining sense of self | establishing control |
| ensuring predictability | an opportunity to refocus |
| cleansing oneself of the abusive experience | developing a sense of personal space |
People with bulimia and a history of sexual abuse tend to report a variety of impulsive behaviours, including drug abuse, alcohol abuse, self-mutilation, promiscuity, and stealing. Such behaviours often appear to serve the function of reducing self-awareness and decreasing the intensity of feelings.
For a person who has been abused an existing eating disorder may be difficult to treat due to the protective function it serves and treatment may not be beneficial if the underlying issues of abuse are not addressed. Positive responses to disclosure about abuse and high levels of family support are thought to be important factors in encouraging the successful outcome of an eating disorder. Counseling people who have been abused may include cognitive-behavioural interventions, individual or group psychotherapy, family therapy, feminist psychotherapy and expressive art therapies.
| Dinah Holmes at Newport Centre | phone: 905- 834-4501 ext. 2116 |
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