By John R. Morella, Ph.D.
Unfortunately, many children and teens experience physical, emotional and sexual abuse. It is difficult to determine what percentage are victimized, depending on the research study reported. In a 2009 study by the Clinical Psychology Review, examining 65 studies on 22 countries, 19.7% of females and 7.9% of males where sexually abused, and in North America, 15% to 25% of women and 5% to 15% of men were abused when they were children. Add in physical and emotional abuse, one can only assume that the percentages are much higher.
The focus of this article is the relationship of abuse experienced by children and teens and eating disorders. Again, be cautioned that physical, emotional or sexual abuse of children do not cause an eating disorder. However, there appears to be a positive relationship or correlation between abuse and obesity, compulsive eating, and the disorders of anorexia and bulimia. This was the observation this author noted when working with males and females who experienced some form of serious abuse as children. Research supports that those who were abused, reported twice the level of obesity. They also reported significantly more bouts of sleeping problems, headaches, gynecological problems, feelings of loneliness, depression and anxiety disorders.
Now, back to our focus on eating disorders and its relationship to sex abuse victimization. Food may become a source of comfort to the abused child. It may also be a way to "self-medicate," by feeling in control. This author recalls one female sexual abuse victim whose intent was to overeat, become obese so as to not be viewed "attractive" to her perpetrator. Shame, anger, fear and feelings of helplessness may all be used as triggers to over-eat, with the result of weight gain and obesity. Many sex abuse victims feel "damaged." Their self-esteem is assaulted by the abuse, as well as their physical self-perception as "ugly and soiled." They stop caring about how they look, and further self-inflict by overeating. Keeping the secret of their abuse "stuffed inside," they stuff themselves with food, as one victim shared with me as her therapist, "I eat until I hurt inside."
Some sex abuse victims become problematic in their eating by demonstrating characteristics of bulimia. They gorge themselves with a large volume of food in a short period of time, then they purge by self-induced vomiting. Other forms of purging may be excessive use of laxatives. Some abuse victims have indicated that by purging, they are "expelling" the sex abuse perpetrated upon them.
To some readers of this article, some of the psychological conclusions in the relationship between child sex victimization and eating disorders may appear poorly connected. However, the trauma of a child or teen experiencing sex abuse often is explored by the unconscious processes that operate in all of us. In the case of children, where food is often viewed as a loving way for parents to care and nourish the child, the child will use food to comfort themselves.
Mental health professionals may or may not be aware of the link between obesity and eating disorders and all types of abuse upon children, especially sexual abuse. It is important that this article alert parents and others to observe closely children and teens who have been abused.
Retired psychologist and academician with thirty-five years of experience working with children, teens, and their families. Currently, author of two nonfiction books written for the layperson; A Guide for Effective Psychotherapy (a consumer's guide for understanding mental health services) and Give Teens a Break! (a positive look at teens). My passion remains the same, the growth and mental welfare of our children. Please visit my website: http://www.johnmorella.com
Unfortunately, many children and teens experience physical, emotional and sexual abuse. It is difficult to determine what percentage are victimized, depending on the research study reported. In a 2009 study by the Clinical Psychology Review, examining 65 studies on 22 countries, 19.7% of females and 7.9% of males where sexually abused, and in North America, 15% to 25% of women and 5% to 15% of men were abused when they were children. Add in physical and emotional abuse, one can only assume that the percentages are much higher.
The focus of this article is the relationship of abuse experienced by children and teens and eating disorders. Again, be cautioned that physical, emotional or sexual abuse of children do not cause an eating disorder. However, there appears to be a positive relationship or correlation between abuse and obesity, compulsive eating, and the disorders of anorexia and bulimia. This was the observation this author noted when working with males and females who experienced some form of serious abuse as children. Research supports that those who were abused, reported twice the level of obesity. They also reported significantly more bouts of sleeping problems, headaches, gynecological problems, feelings of loneliness, depression and anxiety disorders.
Now, back to our focus on eating disorders and its relationship to sex abuse victimization. Food may become a source of comfort to the abused child. It may also be a way to "self-medicate," by feeling in control. This author recalls one female sexual abuse victim whose intent was to overeat, become obese so as to not be viewed "attractive" to her perpetrator. Shame, anger, fear and feelings of helplessness may all be used as triggers to over-eat, with the result of weight gain and obesity. Many sex abuse victims feel "damaged." Their self-esteem is assaulted by the abuse, as well as their physical self-perception as "ugly and soiled." They stop caring about how they look, and further self-inflict by overeating. Keeping the secret of their abuse "stuffed inside," they stuff themselves with food, as one victim shared with me as her therapist, "I eat until I hurt inside."
Some sex abuse victims become problematic in their eating by demonstrating characteristics of bulimia. They gorge themselves with a large volume of food in a short period of time, then they purge by self-induced vomiting. Other forms of purging may be excessive use of laxatives. Some abuse victims have indicated that by purging, they are "expelling" the sex abuse perpetrated upon them.
To some readers of this article, some of the psychological conclusions in the relationship between child sex victimization and eating disorders may appear poorly connected. However, the trauma of a child or teen experiencing sex abuse often is explored by the unconscious processes that operate in all of us. In the case of children, where food is often viewed as a loving way for parents to care and nourish the child, the child will use food to comfort themselves.
Mental health professionals may or may not be aware of the link between obesity and eating disorders and all types of abuse upon children, especially sexual abuse. It is important that this article alert parents and others to observe closely children and teens who have been abused.
Retired psychologist and academician with thirty-five years of experience working with children, teens, and their families. Currently, author of two nonfiction books written for the layperson; A Guide for Effective Psychotherapy (a consumer's guide for understanding mental health services) and Give Teens a Break! (a positive look at teens). My passion remains the same, the growth and mental welfare of our children. Please visit my website: http://www.johnmorella.com
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