The relation between self-esteem and body image among adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa

Abstract

Anorexia (clinically known as anorexia nervosa) is self-imposed starvation. This potentially life-threatening disorder frequently develops in adolescence. Many of the signs and symptoms of anorexia are due to malnutrition. People with anorexia are often profoundly dissatisfied with their body image and usually express a strong desire to lose weight. One of the key features of this disorder is denial. Although people with anorexia are obsessed with food, they continually deny their hunger, and are not able to recognize that they are physically and emotionally fragile. Most people with anorexia also struggle with anxiety and low self-esteem and, in addition to food, may restrict other parts of their lives, such as relationships and social activities Self- esteem is defined as the evaluation that the individual makes and customarily maintains with regard to herself: it expresses an attitude of approval or disapproval, and indicates the extent to which the individual believes herself to be capable, significant and worthy. In addition, it appears that many anorexic patients exhibit a low level of Self-esteem, Lack self-assurance and feel inadequate despite a high level of intelligence and a history of academic success. Research has also indicated that patients with anorexia nervosa exhibit lower self -esteem or more negative self-concept than healthy control groups.