Eating Disorder
Essay by kkolodziejczak • October 29, 2017 • Research Paper • 304 Words (2 Pages) • 863 Views
Article Review
Kara Kolodziejczak
Wilson, D., & O'Connor, E. L. (2017). Mindfulness, personality and disordered eating. Personality & Individual Differences, 1197-12. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2017.06.033
Mindfulness and Eating Disorders
Eating disorders effect people of all different shapes and sizes, so what really does cause certain individuals to develop such an unhealthy relationship with food and themselves. This article and study was done on how mindfulness is related to eating disorders and what factors may predispose certain individuals to disordered eating.
The study was completed by university students using a self-report questionnaire that was based on the revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory. The Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST) is a biologically grounded theory of personality, based on the sensitivity of brain systems that respond to reward and punishment that mediate approach and avoidant behavior respectively (Smillie, Loxton, & Avery, 2013). They investigated if trait mindfulness moderated the relationship between personality and disordered eating behaviors. Results showed the Behavioral Activation system was associated with those who had increased restrictive eating patterns. There was no significant finding of moderation effect on personalities with higher levels of mindfulness. Although there was support of findings for mindfulness being an intervention for disordered eating, it really came down to the individual differences that predispose many to this disease.
I found this study to be very interesting and relevant. Although I do believe that being mindful of who you are and how you feel can make an impact on your behaviors, especially when it comes to eating, I do believe that most eating disorders are caused by genetic factors. Individuals with certain genes have been proven to have a higher chance of developing eating disorders. Therefore, I agree with this study, by saying that mindfulness can be an intervention into the development of ones eating disorder but genetically you may already be predisposed, depending on your genetic factors.
...
...