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The Impact of Bullying on Pediatric Eating Disorders
Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
No single cause can be pinpointed as the reason an eating disorder develops in children, however there are many different factors that may work together in the profession of an eating disorder. Children who develop eating disorders may have certain risk factors that make them more susceptible to having one of these psychiatric illnesses, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder.
Genetics and neurobiology are some of the biological factors that may make a child predisposed to developing an eating disorder, and environmental issues can trigger a child who may already be vulnerable.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors can include family related issues and history, social interactions, the experience of trauma, and any form of neglect and abuse, and more. Bullying in childhood can certainly fall under a form of an environmental stressor, and while not all children who are bullied develop an eating disorder, this is an important factor to consider in a child who may be having food and eating related issues.
Bullying Factors
Particularly with the development of technology today and the early exposure of media to children, bullying can take may forms, including cyber-bullying, physical, mental, emotional, sexual and psychological bullying as well. School bullying statistics in the United States have shown that approximately one in four kids in the nation are bullied on a regular basis [1], which are numbers that should not be ignored.
While the pursuit of ending bullying is may not be something that realistically resolves anything, there are definitely ways to increase awareness, prevention, and intervention for children who may be victims.
If you suspect a child you know may be the victim of bullying and also struggling with maladaptive food behaviors, be a voice for a child who may not understand what is occurring or how to advocate for themselves. Many children internalize the pain they are feeling, and for those already biologically susceptible to an eating disorder, this can trigger the progression of a deadly disease.
Seeking out professional help can help a child find healthy ways for coping through the distress that may have occurred through any bulling experience, allowing a child to effectively heal and recover.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
What do you think are the connections between bullying and eating disorders in children?
Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
References:
[1]: “Bullying Statistics”, http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/category/bullying-statisticsThe opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on January 24, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
The EatingDisorderHope.com editorial team comprises experienced writers, editors, and medical reviewers specializing in eating disorders, treatment, and mental and behavioral health.
