Disordered eating and cultural distinctions: exploring prevalence and predictors among women in Israel

Cultural differences in serious eating problems among adult women have important treatment and prevention implications yet remain relatively unexplored. This is the first study to examine these issues among Israel's multi-cultural adult population.

Disordered eating behaviors (DEB) are assessed with 14 DSM-related symptoms (including binge eating) in a multi-cultural sample of 485 women. Prevalence rates and clinical predictors of DEB severity are examined for three culturally distinct groups of Jews.

Second generation Israeli-born and first generation Israelis of Sephardic and Ashkenazi origins differ significantly in DEB prevalence (19.4%, 11.4%, 13.9%, p<.05). Regarding clinical predictors, self-criticism is strongest predictor for second generation while weight is strongest predictor for both first generation groups.

Prevailing wisdom largely attributes eating disturbances to cultural thinness norms. However, substantial differences between culturally distinct groups of Israeli Jews, similarly exposed to westernized norms, challenge the prevailing wisdom. Culturally sensitive interventions warrant additional research and more illuminating explanatory models than "one size fits all."