Body image and eating disorders in older adults: a review

CM Peat, NL Peyerl… - The Journal of general …, 2008 - Taylor & Francis
CM Peat, NL Peyerl, JJ Muehlenkamp
The Journal of general psychology, 2008Taylor & Francis
Researchers have shown body image to be an important part of a person's self-concept and
have linked body dissatisfaction to various psychopathologies, most frequently eating
disorders. However, the majority of the literature to date has focused on adolescents and
college-aged samples, with little attention paid to the course of body image and eating
disorders throughout the life span. The present article reviews the available literature on
body image and eating disorders in older adults to understand more fully the unique …
Researchers have shown body image to be an important part of a person's self-concept and have linked body dissatisfaction to various psychopathologies, most frequently eating disorders. However, the majority of the literature to date has focused on adolescents and college-aged samples, with little attention paid to the course of body image and eating disorders throughout the life span. The present article reviews the available literature on body image and eating disorders in older adults to understand more fully the unique presentation of body concerns and disordered eating across the life span. The authors address unique factors affecting body dissatisfaction and the development of eating disorders among older adults and offer directions for future research.
Taylor & Francis Online