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Eating disorders in middle-aged women
Elizabeth Midlarsky1, George Nitzburg
1Teachers College, Counseling & Clinical Psychology, Columbia University, 525 W. 120th St., Box 148, New York, NY 10027, USA. em142@columbia.edu
The Journal of General Psychology
|October 31, 2008
Summary
Eating disorders affect middle-aged women, driven by body image dissatisfaction, thinness pressures, and perfectionism. These factors, not depression or aging concerns, are key to understanding eating pathology in this demographic.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Women's Health
- Eating Disorders
Background:
- Eating disorders are commonly associated with adolescents and young adults.
- Emerging research indicates eating disorders also affect middle-aged women.
- Previously, middle-aged eating disorders were often linked to depression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors associated with eating pathology in middle-aged women.
- To compare these factors with those found in younger populations.
- To determine the role of depression and aging concerns in midlife eating disorders.
Main Methods:
- An Internet survey was conducted.
- Data were collected from 290 middle-aged women (aged 45-60 years).
- Statistical analysis identified significant associations with eating pathology.
Main Results:
- Body image dissatisfaction, sociocultural pressures for thinness, and perfectionism were significantly associated with eating pathology.
- These parallel factors reported in younger individuals.
- Depression and concerns about aging's effect on appearance were not significantly related to eating pathology in this group.
Conclusions:
- The primary drivers of eating pathology in middle-aged women are similar to those in younger individuals.
- Depression and aging concerns are not significant predictors of eating pathology in this demographic.
- Understanding these core factors is crucial for addressing midlife eating disorders.
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