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Appetizing loss: anorexia as an experiment in living
1Nipissing University, North Bay, Ontario, Canada. angelafa@nipissingu.ca
Eating Disorders
|June 17, 2006
Summary
Anorexia nervosa may not be inherently destructive, but rather an "experiment in living" to test environmental capacity. This perspective explores psychic accomplishments and contextual factors influencing recovery from self-starvation.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Anorexia nervosa is commonly viewed as a destructive disorder.
- Self-starvation is the primary symptom, often seen as counter-productive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To challenge the assumption that anorexia nervosa is solely destructive.
- To explore the psychic functions and accomplishments of self-starvation in anorexia nervosa.
- To examine anorexia nervosa as an "experiment in living".
Main Methods:
- Analysis of clinical reflections from child analyst Adam Phillips.
- Exploration of anorexia nervosa as a means of testing environmental capacity.
- Consideration of anorexia nervosa as compensation for traumatic loss or affective rupture.
Main Results:
- Symptoms, including anorexia, can be viewed as "experiments in living."
- Anorexia may serve to test an environment's ability to satisfy desires.
- Self-starvation occurs within interpersonal and intrapersonal contexts.
Conclusions:
- Anorexia nervosa can be understood as a complex psychic endeavor, not just a destructive act.
- The individual's environment and interpersonal responses significantly impact recovery possibilities.
- Viewing anorexia as an experiment offers new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
