Nature and Nurture in the Etiology of Eating Disorders: A Comparative Analysis
Overview
This paper examines the nature versus nurture debate as it applies to eating disorders, including Binge Eating Disorder, Anorexia Nervosa, and Selective Eating Disorder. It argues that eating disorders result from both genetic/biological factors and environmental influences, analyzing the contribution of heredity, brain structure, neurotransmitters, and personality traits alongside environmental factors.
What this essay covers
- Introduction defining nature and nurture concepts and their relevance to eating disorders
- Nature section exploring genetic inheritance, brain structure abnormalities, neurotransmitter dysfunction, and personality characteristics as biological contributors
- Nurture section (partial) beginning to address environmental and experiential factors in eating disorder development
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Nature / Nurture
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Nature / Nurture
Introduction
In psychiatry and psychology, the debate on the difference between nature and nurture has a contentious issue. The discussion has revolved around which between the two concepts is the cause of human cultures, behaviors, and personalities. According to (Engel (n.d), nature refers to genetic or hormone-based behaviors and traits, while nurture refers to environmental-related experiences. The debate between the two concepts relates to the role of human genetics or qualities (nature) as compared to their experiences or environment (nurture) in influencing various traits and behaviors (such as eating disorders). This paper will discuss which between nature and nurture is responsible for eating disorders such as Binge Eating Disorder, Anorexia Nervosa, Selective Eating Disorder, and other specified eating disorders.
- Nature
There has been evidence to illustrate that genetic and biological aspects of nature can be attributed as factors that result in people developing eating disorders. This means that there is proof that eating disorders are a problem that can be inherited or tends to run in the family. Engel (n.d) states that inherited biological and genetic factors are responsible for about 56% of all prevalent eating disorders. Notably, there is likely that people with eating disorders have a mother or a sibling who suffers from the same condition (Engel n.d). Research shows that one has twelve and four times the likelihood of suffering from Anorexia Nervosa and bulimia, respectively, in case their mother or sister has these disorders (Engel n.d).