The relationship between eating disorders and sexual trauma

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• Eating disorders (ED) are complex conditions with multiple contributing factors.
• Sexual trauma is increasingly recognized as a potential risk factor for ED development.
• Existing reviews on the sexual trauma-ED link are outdated and lack consistent findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize recent literature (2004-2014) on the relationship between sexual trauma and eating disorders.
• To examine the proposed etiological pathways: body perceptions and psychological difficulties.
• To assess the current evidence for a causal link between sexual trauma and ED.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and PsychINFO.
• Search terms included variations of sexual trauma (e.g., "sexual assault," "sexual abuse") and eating disorder terminology.
• Thirty-two studies meeting specific inclusion criteria were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Individuals with eating disorders exhibit a higher prevalence of sexual trauma.
• Emerging evidence suggests sexual trauma may precede and contribute to the onset of ED.
• The body perception pathway involves body dissatisfaction, shame, and sexual dysfunction.
• The psychological difficulties pathway links ED to emotional regulation issues and a need for control.

Conclusions:

• Sexual trauma is a significant factor associated with eating disorders.
• Further research is necessary to establish a definitive causal relationship.
• Understanding these pathways is crucial for developing targeted interventions for ED survivors.