Which of the following is true of people with the eating disorder anorexia nervosa?
A Most individuals with this disorder are from low-income families.
B Individuals with this disorder often have overweight or obesity.
C Individuals with this disorder are often high-achieving perfectionists.
D Most individuals with this disorder are Latino White female adolescents.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is:
C. Individuals with this disorder are often high-achieving perfectionists.
Explanation:
Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized primarily by self-imposed starvation, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. People with anorexia nervosa often severely restrict their food intake, leading to significant weight loss and potentially life-threatening health complications.
Let’s analyze each option:
A. Most individuals with this disorder are from low-income families.
This is incorrect. Anorexia nervosa occurs across all socioeconomic classes. Historically, it was thought to affect mainly middle- to upper-class individuals, but current research shows it can affect people from diverse economic backgrounds. There is no strong evidence linking anorexia exclusively to low-income families.
B. Individuals with this disorder often have overweight or obesity.
This is incorrect. Anorexia nervosa involves extreme weight loss and underweight status. Overweight or obesity is more commonly associated with other eating disorders, such as binge-eating disorder or sometimes bulimia nervosa.
C. Individuals with this disorder are often high-achieving perfectionists.
This is correct. Research has consistently found that many individuals with anorexia nervosa exhibit traits of perfectionism and high achievement. They often set very high standards for themselves in many areas of life and have a strong desire to maintain control, which can extend to controlling their food intake and body weight. This perfectionism can contribute to the persistence and severity of the disorder.
D. Most individuals with this disorder are Latino White female adolescents.
This statement is incorrect and misleading. While anorexia nervosa is more common in females than males and often begins in adolescence, it affects individuals of all races and ethnicities. The phrase “Latino White female adolescents” is contradictory since Latino and White refer to different ethnic/racial categories. Also, it’s more accurate to say that anorexia nervosa predominantly affects White female adolescents and young women, but it is not limited to any one ethnic group.
Additional Context:
Anorexia nervosa is complex, influenced by genetic, psychological, and sociocultural factors. The emphasis on perfectionism and control is important in understanding how the disorder develops and persists. Treatment often includes psychological therapy aimed at addressing these underlying personality traits, as well as nutritional rehabilitation.
In summary, while anorexia nervosa affects diverse populations, the trait of perfectionism and high achievement is a well-documented characteristic among many individuals with this disorder.